When to Have Your Cholesterol Checked

Cholesterol problems often exist at the same time as high blood pressure. If you have cholesterol problems and high blood pressure, you are increasing your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that all adults aged 20 or older have a cholesterol test called a lipoprotein panel once every 5 years. If it is normal, then it should be checked every 5 years. If it is abnormal, then you need to visit with your doctor of other healthcare provider.

To get the most accurate results blood is drawn after you fast from 9 to 12 hours. The sample is checked for your levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides.