Total Cholesterol test measures all types of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is an important normal body constituent, used in the structure of cell membranes, synthesis of bile acids, and synthesis of steroid hormones. Since cholesterol is water insoluble, most serum (the noncellular portion of blood) cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL). The most abundant steroid in animal tissue, cholesterol is the precursor to major steroid hormones such as Cortisol, DHEA, testesterone and estrogen. The body synthesizes 60-80% of its cholesterol, primarily in the liver and intestine, and derives the remainder from the diet.Total Cholesterol serves as a marker for both cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress. High total cholestrol level increases the risk for Heart disease. It is a part of lipid Profile. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.