összkoleszterint

Összkoleszterin, in Hungarian often referred to as összkoleszterin, is the total amount of cholesterol found in the blood, carried by all lipoproteins, including LDL, HDL, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Cholesterol is a lipid that is essential for cell membranes and the production of hormones and bile acids, but elevated levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The form összkoleszterint is the accusative case of the term, for example in a sentence like “mérni kell az összkoleszterint.”

Measurement and units are primarily through a lipid panel ordered by a clinician. Results are given in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Total cholesterol is often measured after a fasting period, though non-fasting samples are increasingly accepted in many settings; triglycerides, however, are more sensitive to recent meals. A complete interpretation requires looking at the individual components as well: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides.

Common reference ranges place total cholesterol below about 5.0 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) as desirable. Values between roughly 5.0 and 6.2 mmol/L may be considered borderline, and values above about 6.2 mmol/L are generally viewed as elevated. Thresholds vary by guideline and individual cardiovascular risk, so targets are personalized.

High összkoleszterin is a risk marker but not a standalone predictor of heart disease. Its significance depends on the balance of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and other risk factors such as age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history. Management emphasizes lifestyle modifications—such as a heart-healthy diet, weight management, physical activity, and smoking cessation—along with pharmacological treatment (most commonly statins) when warranted by overall risk.