While 86 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels, one third of Americans say they haven’t had their numbers checked in the last five years.
Getting your cholesterol tested — and under control — is critical to preventing heart disease and other serious health problems. But figuring out when to test and what to make of the numbers can feel daunting.
How harmful is “bad cholesterol” for your health? Should you worry if your total cholesterol is just on the cusp of being too high? And how much can you lower your levels by changing your diet or exercise habits?
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance (also called a lipid) that is produced by the liver. It’s essential for making cell membranes, hormones and more. Usually your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. But some foods, like meat and dairy products, may increase the cholesterol circulating in your blood, which is why you may be asked to fast before a cholesterol test.
Cholesterol gets a bad rap because there’s strong evidence linking higher levels to plaque buildup in the arteries and the hardening of blood vessel walls over time. In medical terms, this is called atherosclerosis. Eventually, the buildup can block blood flow to your heart, causing a heart attack. Pieces of plaque can also rupture and travel to other parts of your body, causing a stroke.
Most people don’t have any symptoms until their arteries are already severely clogged. That’s why doctors look to cholesterol levels to catch and treat cardiovascular problems early, said Dr. John Wilkins, an associate professor of cardiology and epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
When do you need a cholesterol test?
According to the American Heart Association, all adults 20 or older should get their cholesterol checked every four to six years. You may need more frequent checks if you have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
But heart disease is becoming increasingly prevalent among younger people. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends starting cholesterol testing between the ages of 9 and 11, or as young as 2 years old if there is a strong family history of high cholesterol and heart disease. Your doctor can help you decide when it’s time for a test.
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