Title
Subscribe to the Magazine for free
Subscribe for free to keep reading! If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

How to Test and Interpret Total Cholesterol Levels: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Written By

Why This Was Updated?

Our specialists regularly review advancements in health and wellness, ensuring our articles are updated with the newest information as it becomes accessible.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr.
Jeannie Achuff
ND

Welcome to our journey into understanding cholesterol from a whole-person perspective. It's not just about the numbers on a lab report; it's about grasping how cholesterol impacts your body's overall well-being. Whether you're here as a concerned patient or a dedicated healthcare provider, we're all on a quest to unravel the mysteries of cholesterol and its role in our health.Β 

Together, we'll explore how to make sense of those cholesterol test results in a way that empowers you to take charge of your (or your patient's) health. Join us as we discuss the functional medicine approach, where cholesterol isn't just a statistic but a vital piece in the puzzle of your care.

[signup]

What is Total Cholesterol?

Total cholesterol is a comprehensive measure of all the cholesterol in your blood. It encompasses several components, including Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with an increased risk of heart disease; High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream; and triglycerides, which are a type of fat in the blood, often elevated in conditions like obesity and diabetes. These components collectively contribute to your total cholesterol level, each playing a distinct role in your overall health.

Practitioners order this test for various reasons. Primarily, it's a fundamental screening tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. Elevated total cholesterol levels can indicate a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering treatments or lifestyle changes.

Additionally, because cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet, physical activity, age, gender, and genetic factors, this test is often part of a comprehensive evaluation to understand an individual's specific health profile. By monitoring these levels, healthcare providers can offer tailored advice and treatment plans to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.

How to Test Your Total Cholesterol

The Total Cholesterol Test by Boston Heart Diagnostics is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in an individual's blood. It is often ordered as part of a routine exam, especially for individuals with certain risk factors like a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, smoking, excess weight, lack of physical activity, or a diet high in saturated fat (12).

The Total Cholesterol test assists in determining the risk of developing heart disease and aids practitioners in creating personalized plans to manage and lower high cholesterol levels if necessary.

[signup]

How to Calculate Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is calculated by adding the values of three biomarkers: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and 20% of your triglyceride level. To calculate it, you can use the formula:

Total Cholesterol = LDL cholesterol + HDL cholesterol + (Triglycerides/5)

This formula is based on the understanding that triglycerides are a significant component of the total cholesterol measurement. It is a common method used when only individual lipid panel components are available.

What is the Total Cholesterol Range?

Understanding the range of total cholesterol levels is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and overall health. Typically, total cholesterol levels are classified into three categories. A level below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered desirable, indicating a lower risk of heart disease. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are deemed borderline high, suggesting a moderate risk. Levels of 240 mg/dL and above are classified as high, indicating a higher risk of heart disease.

The functional medicine approach to total cholesterol ranges can be more individualized to be sure the patient is getting their particular needs met. Functional medicine, which focuses on holistic care and individual variability, might suggest an "optimal" cholesterol range that is more personalized, considering factors such as a person's age, genetics/ family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions.

This optimal range is usually aimed at maintaining cholesterol levels towards the lower end of the standard range, but not too low, as cholesterol is vital for various bodily functions like hormone production and cellular structure. In functional medicine, the emphasis is on achieving a balance that supports overall health and reduces disease risk, rather than strictly adhering to general population-based ranges.

Functional medicine practitioners also place greater emphasis on the ratios of different cholesterol types (like the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL or LDL to HDL) and the levels of other lipid parameters, such as triglycerides and lipid subfractions, in their assessments. This approach reflects the understanding that cardiovascular health and risks are multifactorial and that cholesterol levels are just one part of a larger health picture.

By considering a wider range of factors, functional medicine aims to provide a more comprehensive and tailored approach to cholesterol management, aligning with the unique needs and health goals of each individual.

How to Lower Total Cholesterol

Lowering total cholesterol is a significant health goal for many, especially those at risk for cardiovascular diseases. This section will delve into various strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help in effectively reducing total cholesterol levels.

What is the Conventional Treatment for Lowering Total Cholesterol?

The conventional treatment for lowering total cholesterol typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. The primary class of medications prescribed are statins, which work by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol. Examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin. They are effective in lowering LDL and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other medications might be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to statins. These include cholesterol absorption inhibitors like ezetimibe.

In addition to medication, conventional treatment emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes. This involves dietary modifications such as reducing the intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Regular physical activity is also strongly recommended, as it can help to improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are other key components of the lifestyle approach to managing cholesterol levels.

What is the Functional Medicine Treatment for Lowering Total Cholesterol?

The Functional Medicine treatment protocol for high cholesterol includes a combination of dietary approaches and natural supplements. Therapeutic diets like the Mediterranean and DASH are recommended for their heart-health benefits and effectiveness in improving lipid profiles.

These diets focus on whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, aiming to reduce unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined carbohydrates while increasing dietary fiber.

Supplement protocols include Red Yeast Rice, which functions similarly to statins; Berberine, known for its ability to reduce total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C); Plant Sterols, which help lower cholesterol by competing with its gastrointestinal absorption; and Garlic, which has modest effects in reducing TC and LDL-C.

These supplements are chosen for their specific cholesterol-lowering properties and are typically recommended alongside lifestyle modifications like exercise and stress management for comprehensive cholesterol management (7).

[signup]

Total Cholesterol Levels: Key Takeaways

The functional medicine approach to testing and interpreting total cholesterol levels represents a holistic and individualized perspective in healthcare. Understanding total cholesterol, which includes LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides, is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and overall health.

Understanding and managing total cholesterol levels from a functional medicine perspective involves a comprehensive treatment approach that goes beyond conventional methods. This holistic view emphasizes the importance of individual factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics in interpreting cholesterol levels. It advocates for personalized health strategies, considering the unique needs of each individual and their physiology in order to create health in all bodily systems thereby supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Such an approach not only aims to manage cholesterol levels but also contributes to overall well-being, highlighting the intricate connection between cholesterol and broader health aspects.

Welcome to our journey into understanding cholesterol from a whole-person perspective. It's not just about the numbers on a lab report; it's about grasping how cholesterol impacts your body's overall well-being. Whether you're here as a concerned patient or a dedicated healthcare provider, we're all on a quest to explore the role of cholesterol in our health.Β 

Together, we'll explore how to make sense of those cholesterol test results in a way that empowers you to take charge of your (or your patient's) health. Join us as we discuss the functional medicine approach, where cholesterol isn't just a statistic but a vital piece in the puzzle of your care.

[signup]

What is Total Cholesterol?

Total cholesterol is a comprehensive measure of all the cholesterol in your blood. It encompasses several components, including Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with an increased risk of heart disease; High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream; and triglycerides, which are a type of fat in the blood, often elevated in conditions like obesity and diabetes. These components collectively contribute to your total cholesterol level, each playing a distinct role in your overall health.

Practitioners order this test for various reasons. Primarily, it's a fundamental screening tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. Elevated total cholesterol levels can indicate a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-supporting treatments or lifestyle changes.

Additionally, because cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet, physical activity, age, gender, and genetic factors, this test is often part of a comprehensive evaluation to understand an individual's specific health profile. By monitoring these levels, healthcare providers can offer tailored advice and plans to support heart health and overall well-being.

How to Test Your Total Cholesterol

The Total Cholesterol Test by Boston Heart Diagnostics is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in an individual's blood. It is often ordered as part of a routine exam, especially for individuals with certain risk factors like a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, smoking, excess weight, lack of physical activity, or a diet high in saturated fat (12).

The Total Cholesterol test assists in determining the risk of developing heart disease and aids practitioners in creating personalized plans to manage and support healthy cholesterol levels if necessary.

[signup]

How to Calculate Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is calculated by adding the values of three biomarkers: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and 20% of your triglyceride level. To calculate it, you can use the formula:

Total Cholesterol = LDL cholesterol + HDL cholesterol + (Triglycerides/5)

This formula is based on the understanding that triglycerides are a significant component of the total cholesterol measurement. It is a common method used when only individual lipid panel components are available.

What is the Total Cholesterol Range?

Understanding the range of total cholesterol levels is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and overall health. Typically, total cholesterol levels are classified into three categories. A level below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered desirable, indicating a lower risk of heart disease. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are deemed borderline high, suggesting a moderate risk. Levels of 240 mg/dL and above are classified as high, indicating a higher risk of heart disease.

The functional medicine approach to total cholesterol ranges can be more individualized to be sure the patient is getting their particular needs met. Functional medicine, which focuses on holistic care and individual variability, might suggest an "optimal" cholesterol range that is more personalized, considering factors such as a person's age, genetics/ family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions.

This optimal range is usually aimed at maintaining cholesterol levels towards the lower end of the standard range, but not too low, as cholesterol is vital for various bodily functions like hormone production and cellular structure. In functional medicine, the emphasis is on achieving a balance that supports overall health and reduces disease risk, rather than strictly adhering to general population-based ranges.

Functional medicine practitioners also place greater emphasis on the ratios of different cholesterol types (like the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL or LDL to HDL) and the levels of other lipid parameters, such as triglycerides and lipid subfractions, in their assessments. This approach reflects the understanding that cardiovascular health and risks are multifactorial and that cholesterol levels are just one part of a larger health picture.

By considering a wider range of factors, functional medicine aims to provide a more comprehensive and tailored approach to cholesterol management, aligning with the unique needs and health goals of each individual.

How to Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Supporting healthy cholesterol levels is a significant health goal for many, especially those at risk for cardiovascular diseases. This section will delve into various strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help in effectively managing cholesterol levels.

What is the Conventional Approach for Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Levels?

The conventional approach for supporting healthy cholesterol levels typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. The primary class of medications prescribed are statins, which work by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol. Examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin. They are effective in lowering LDL and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other medications might be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to statins. These include cholesterol absorption inhibitors like ezetimibe.

In addition to medication, conventional treatment emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes. This involves dietary modifications such as reducing the intake of saturated fats and trans fats, and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Regular physical activity is also strongly recommended, as it can help to improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are other key components of the lifestyle approach to managing cholesterol levels.

What is the Functional Medicine Approach for Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Levels?

The Functional Medicine treatment protocol for high cholesterol includes a combination of dietary approaches and natural supplements. Therapeutic diets like the Mediterranean and DASH are recommended for their heart-health benefits and effectiveness in improving lipid profiles.

These diets focus on whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, aiming to reduce unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined carbohydrates while increasing dietary fiber.

Supplement protocols include Red Yeast Rice, which functions similarly to statins; Berberine, known for its potential to support healthy cholesterol levels; Plant Sterols, which may help maintain cholesterol by competing with its gastrointestinal absorption; and Garlic, which has modest effects in supporting healthy cholesterol levels.

These supplements are chosen for their specific properties and are typically recommended alongside lifestyle modifications like exercise and stress management for comprehensive cholesterol management (7).

[signup]

Total Cholesterol Levels: Key Takeaways

The functional medicine approach to testing and interpreting total cholesterol levels represents a holistic and individualized perspective in healthcare. Understanding total cholesterol, which includes LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides, is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and overall health.

Understanding and managing total cholesterol levels from a functional medicine perspective involves a comprehensive treatment approach that goes beyond conventional methods. This holistic view emphasizes the importance of individual factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics in interpreting cholesterol levels. It advocates for personalized health strategies, considering the unique needs of each individual and their physiology in order to create health in all bodily systems thereby supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Such an approach not only aims to manage cholesterol levels but also contributes to overall well-being, highlighting the intricate connection between cholesterol and broader health aspects.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Learn More
No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

  1. American Heart Association. β€œWhat Is Cardiovascular Disease?” Www.heart.org, American Heart Association, 31 May 2017, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease.
  2. American Heart Association. (2020, November 6). What is cholesterol? Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
  3. Arnett, D. K., Blumenthal, R. S., Albert, M. A., Buroker, A. B., Goldberger, Z. D., Hahn, E. J., Himmelfarb, C. D., Khera, A., Lloyd-Jones, D., McEvoy, J. W., Michos, E. D., Miedema, M. D., MuΓ±oz, D., Smith, S. C., Virani, S. S., Williams, K. A., Yeboah, J., & Ziaeian, B. (2019). 2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Executive summary. Circulation, 140(11). https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000000677
  4. Balder, Yasmijn, et al. β€œExploration of Blood Lipoprotein and Lipid Fraction Profiles in Healthy Subjects through Integrated Univariate, Multivariate, and Network Analysis Reveals Association of Lipase Activity and Cholesterol Esterification with Sex and Age.” Metabolites, vol. 11, no. 5, 18 May 2021, p. 326, https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11050326. Accessed 15 Mar. 2023.
  5. Bryant, Ayesha. β€œHow to Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels: Natural and Pharmacologic Options.” Rupa Health, 31 Jan. 2024, www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-lower-blood-cholesterol-levels-natural-and-pharmacologic-options. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
  6. Cleveland Clinic. β€œUnderstanding Your Cholesterol Numbers | Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 28 July 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean.
  7. Cloyd, J. (2022, October 4). 4 nutrition hacks that lower high cholesterol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/4-nutrition-hacks-to-lower-high-cholesterol
  8. Cloyd, J. (2023, April 7). Functional medicine high cholesterol protocol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/functional-medicine-high-cholesterol-protocol
  9. Cloyd, K. (2023, December 19). How to interpret your lipid panel results. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-lipid-panel-results
  10. Creedon, K. (2022, July 14). Simple lifestyle changes that can help keep high blood pressure under control. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/simple-lifestyle-changes-that-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure
  11. DePorto, Tanya. β€œFunctional Medicine Lab Tests for Heart Disease.” Rupa Health, 9 Dec. 2022, www.rupahealth.com/post/worried-about-heart-disease-ask-your-provider-for-these-6-specialty-labs-at-your-next-appointment.
  12. Greenan, S. (2021, November 19). What is functional medicine? How do I find A functional medicine practitioner? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-functional-medicine
  13. Henry, E. (2022, January 19). 3 ways to lower your cholesterol without medication. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-treating-high-cholesterol
  14. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Lipid panel. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lipid-panel#:~:text=Here%20are%20the%20ranges%20for
  15. Khakham, C. (2023a, April 6). Understanding your risk of cardiovascular disease with functional medicine labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-your-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-with-functional-medicine-labs
  16. Khakham, C. (2023b, August 3). Top labs to run bi-annually on your high cholesterol patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/top-labs-to-run-bi-annually-on-your-high-cholesterol-patients
  17. Kresgne, K. (2022, May 20). 3 natural ways to lower cholesterol levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/natural-treatments-for-high-cholesterol
  18. Mayo Clinic. β€œCan Lifestyle Changes Benefit Your Cholesterol?” Mayo Clinic, 2 Sept. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935.
  19. Medlineplus. β€œMedlinePlus: Citing MedlinePlus.” Medlineplus.gov, 24 June 2020, medlineplus.gov/about/using/citation/.
  20. Sweetnich, J. (2023, April 25). Complementary and integrative medicine approaches to type 2 diabetes management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/complementary-and-integrative-medicine-approaches-to-type-2-diabetes-management
  21. β€œTotal Cholesterol (TC) by BostonHeart Diagnostics.” Rupa Health, www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bostonheart-total-cholesterol-tc. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
  22. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, October 2). Cholesterol levels: What you need to know. Medlineplus; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html
Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
See All Magazine Articles
Trusted Source
Rupa Health
Medical Education Platform
Visit Source
American Cancer Society
Foundation for Cancer Research
Visit Source
National Library of Medicine
Government Authority
Visit Source
Journal of The American College of Radiology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
National Cancer Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
World Health Organization (WHO)
Government Authority
Visit Source
The Journal of Pediatrics
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
CDC
Government Authority
Visit Source
Office of Dietary Supplements
Government Authority
Visit Source
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
National Institutes of Health
Government Authority
Visit Source
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Brain
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of Rheumatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Hepatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Kidney International
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Annals of Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Chest
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Blood
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Gastroenterology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Diabetes Care
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Circulation
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
JAMA Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
PLOS Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Annals of Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Nature Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
The Lancet
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Pubmed
Comprehensive biomedical database
Visit Source
Harvard
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Johns Hopkins
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source