Do You Need To Get Your Cholesterol Checked?

High cholesterol level is one of the major causes of vascular diseases. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70 million adults in the U.S. have high level of cholesterol which puts them at twice the risk of heart diseases as compared to those with ideal levels.

Cholesterol buildup within the arteries can interfere with blood flow affecting the function of organs. If left untreated, the buildup may cause blood clot and inflammation leading to strokes and heart attack.

Typically, doctors consider various indicators to determine whether the person needs a cholesterol test or not. However, certain factors like age and heightened risks of heart diseases may call for periodic assessment of the level of cholesterol in your body.

Who Should Get their Cholesterol Levels Checked?

Some health experts suggest that people between the age of 20 and 79 should test their cholesterol level every 4-6 years to check for the risks of heart conditions and stroke. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises every man over 35 and those over 20 with heightened risks of heart conditions to get their cholesterol levels checked periodically. Besides this, women over 20 with strong risk factors for heart conditions should also undergo cholesterol examination to identify the potential problems.

How Often Should You Undergo a Test?

The need for cholesterol tests mainly depends on your health status, family history, lifestyle and the overall chances of developing a cholesterol-related condition. People with higher risks of cholesterol imbalances or those with history of the problem, may need more frequent tests than others. Besides this, your doctor may also recommend frequent tests if you are undergoing a treatment for cholesterol problem.

Should Children Get Tested for Cholesterol?

Children may be advised a cholesterol test depending upon the family history, child’s age, their riskiness to cholesterol imbalance, and a physical exam.

Are Public Cholesterol Tests Effective?

Public cholesterol tests, offered at health fairs, shopping malls, drugstores, and other public places, are helpful, but may not be reliable enough for a doctor to base their treatment on. The results may vary depending on the sample drawn for the test, the type of equipment used and the expertise of the technician. However, most doctors want to verify the accuracy of the results, and thus recommend a laboratory test to determine whether you are at risk of cholesterol-related issues or not.