Robin - My total cholesterol at my last NMR Lipid Panel test in late September was 149. My HDL was 54, and my triglycerides number was 46. My experience is these numbers can vary, and I would not be the least concerned with a TC of around 250. By the way, what was your triglycerides number? The Tri/HDL ratio is one of the more important indicators according to recent findings. If it's around 1, then you're in good shape. Anything <2 is preferable.

My last NMR Lipid Panel in 2015 was much higher in TC and LDL, and I went into that blood draw after having fasted for several days and not simply the 12 hours recommended (which is what I did in September). I know that we can all impact our numbers depending on how we're eating and the amount of time fasting prior to the blood draw. Good stuff!