Total Cholesterol

Lipids marker

Total Cholesterol

Category: Lipids
Unit: mmol/L

Total amount of cholesterol in the blood.

PED Notes

AAS generally worsen lipid profiles. Oral AAS are particularly harsh on lipids. Total cholesterol alone is less meaningful than the HDL/LDL ratio and ApoB.

When high

Supplements:

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g/day (with fat-containing meals)
  • Citrus Bergamot -- 500mg 2x/day
  • Berberine -- 500mg 2-3x/day (before meals)

Lifestyle:

  • Regular cardio exercise 3-5x/week (most effective intervention)
  • Increase dietary fibre (oats, vegetables)
  • Reduce saturated fats and processed foods

Pharmacological options (when supplements are insufficient):

  • Rosuvastatin -- 5-20mg/day; first-line for ApoB-driven elevation; preferred over atorvastatin/simvastatin in AAS users due to lower CK elevation risk; monitor liver enzymes and CK
  • Ezetimibe -- 10mg/day; cholesterol absorption inhibitor; ~20% LDL reduction; minimal side effects; additive to statin or stand-alone for statin-intolerant athletes
  • Bempedoic acid -- 180mg/day; ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor; not taken up by muscle (zero CK elevation); preferred for statin-intolerant athletes
  • PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab) -- 75-150mg subQ every 2 weeks; reserved for severe familial elevation or resistant cases; expensive but ~60% LDL drop
  • All require physician oversight and baseline liver/CK panel

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0 - 5.5 mmol/L

VitalMetrics Range

0 - 6.5 mmol/L

Statistics