High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. You can feel perfectly fine while cholesterol slowly builds up in your arteries. That’s why a simple blood test is the only way to know your numbers, and why regular testing is so important.
How often should adults be tested?
According to the CDC, most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Some people need to be checked more often, including those who have:
- Heart disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
- Obesity
- Previously high cholesterol results
- Started cholesterol-lowering medicine and need follow-up testing
Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your personal risk factors.
What about children and teens?
High cholesterol isn’t only an adult problem. The CDC notes that children should have their cholesterol checked once between ages 9 and 11, and again between ages 17 and 21. Children may need earlier or more frequent testing if they have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, or if they have diabetes or obesity.
Early testing is especially important for finding familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol from birth.
What the test measures
A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, usually measures:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
To understand your results, see our guide to cholesterol numbers.
How to prepare
- Ask about fasting. Many labs now allow non-fasting tests. Your doctor may ask you to fast for 9 to 12 hours, especially if triglycerides need to be measured accurately.
- Take your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Drink water if you’re fasting. It’s usually allowed and makes the blood draw easier.
- Mention recent illness. Being sick can temporarily affect results.
Where to get tested
Cholesterol tests are commonly done at a doctor’s office during a checkup. Some pharmacies and community health events offer screening, and home test kits are available. If a screening or home test shows high numbers, follow up with your doctor for a full lipid panel and evaluation.
What this means for you
If you can’t remember your last cholesterol test, ask your doctor at your next visit. Keep track of your results over time, since changes can be as important as any single number. If your cholesterol is high, lifestyle changes and, when needed, medicine can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
The bottom line
Most healthy adults should get a cholesterol test every 4 to 6 years, and more often if they have risk factors. Children should be tested once between 9 and 11 and again between 17 and 21. A simple blood test is the only way to know your numbers.
Common questions
Are home cholesterol tests accurate?
Some home tests can give a reasonable estimate, but accuracy varies. Use them as a screening tool and confirm results with your doctor.
What if my cholesterol is high?
Your doctor will look at your overall heart risk, then may recommend lifestyle changes, medicine or both. You’ll likely need follow-up testing to see how your numbers respond.
Does insurance cover cholesterol tests?
Cholesterol screening is often covered as a preventive service for adults, but coverage varies. Check with your insurance plan.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
