otal cholesterol (TC)

• The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
• It’s basically a summary number that includes cholesterol carried by different particles (like LDL and HDL).
• By itself it doesn’t tell the whole story—because high HDL can raise total cholesterol in a good way.

LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)

• Often called “bad cholesterol.”
• LDL particles carry cholesterol from the liver to the body. If there’s too much, cholesterol can build up in artery walls over time (plaque), increasing risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Not all LDL particles are identical, but LDL-C is a common, useful measure.

HDL cholesterol (HDL-C)

• Often called “good cholesterol.”
• HDL helps carry cholesterol away from tissues/arteries back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed.
• Higher HDL is often linked with lower risk, though it’s not the only factor.

Triglycerides (TG)

• A type of fat used for energy storage.
• Your body makes triglycerides from extra calories, especially from sugars/refined carbs and alcohol, and you also get them from food.
• Triglycerides are often higher after eating, so tests are sometimes done fasting (depending on local practice and what your clinician wants).

Quick way to remember

• LDL = delivers cholesterol to the body (too much can “deposit” in arteries)
• HDL = helps “haul away” cholesterol back to the liver
• Triglycerides = stored energy fat
• Total cholesterol = the overall total