India, Feb. 12 -- For most people, total cholesterol is the headline number to watch on their blood test reports, but does that single figure truly reveal your risk of heart disease? While it offers a broad overview, experts say it doesn't tell the full story. Cardiovascular risk is driven by specific types of cholesterol particles and lipoproteins - some of which are far more predictive of plaque build-up and future heart events than total cholesterol alone. Understanding these deeper markers can provide a clearer, more accurate picture of your heart health.

Dr Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist and heart-transplant specialist with expertise in advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support, emphasises that simply checking your t...