Use

Cholesterol is a lipid that is synthesized in most tissues and actively absorbed from the diet. There is a strong association between serum cholesterol concentrations and cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Some lipoproteins carry a stronger risk of cardiovascular disease while others are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Total cholesterol concentration includes the sum of all 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol. Therefore, total cholesterol is recommended to be interpreted in context of a lipid panel that includes high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride measures. Low levels of cholesterol can be seen in disorders that include hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, and deficiencies of apolipoproteins.