How Often Do I Need to Have My Cholesterol
and My Children's Cholesterol Checked?

Because there are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol, most people do not know that their levels are elevated until they have a routine blood test. The cholesterol level of adults over the age of twenty should be measured at least once every five years. Cholesterol screening and the adoption of heart-healthy habits by young adults and children may be particularly valuable in delaying the development of heart disease later in life. Adults and children who especially need to have their levels checked include those with:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• A family history of early heart disease
• At least one parent with high cholesterol

Cholesterol guidelines for children are different from those for adults (see Cholesterol Guidelines for Children below). Your child's doctor or health-care provider is the best resource for concerns about your child's heart health.

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