Total serum cholesterol

Total serum cholesterol refers to the sum of cholesterol in all lipoproteins in the blood. Total cholesterol includes free cholesterol and cholesterol esters, and the liver is the main organ for synthesis and storage [1]. Cholesterol is an important raw material for the synthesis of physiologically active substances such as adrenocortical hormones, sex hormones, bile acids and vitamin D. It is also the main component of the cell membrane. Its serum concentration can be used as an indicator of lipid metabolism. Refers to the clinical increase in total blood cholesterol called hypercholesterolemia. At present, the Chinese medical community roughly divides serum total cholesterol levels into the following three grades: a suitable range of 5.72 mmol / L (220 mg / dl). The edge increased by 5.23-5.69mmol / L (201-219mg / dl); too high value was> 5.72mmol / L (220mg / dl). Many current clinical studies have identified that elevated serum total cholesterol levels are an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. The higher the total serum cholesterol, the greater the risk of atherosclerosis and the earlier the time. For every 1% reduction in serum total cholesterol, the risk of coronary heart disease can be reduced by 2%. But on the other hand, how low is total serum cholesterol? In this regard, there has been a long debate in academia. Some people think that low serum total cholesterol may cause cerebral hemorrhage or increase the incidence of cancer, especially for the elderly. This may be more meaningful, but this needs a lot of epidemiological evidence to confirm. In some patients with cachexia, serum cholesterol can be reduced to very low levels, which is actually a manifestation of severe malnutrition. At present, it is generally believed that it may be appropriate to maintain total serum cholesterol in the range of 2.1-5.2 mmol / L (90-200 mg / dl). For those who have atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease, cholesterol should be reduced below 180mg / dl.