Cholesterol

I recently heard that high cholesterol could contribute to heart disease.   Should I have my cholesterol checked?

Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. Some current guidelines recommend that a total cholesterol, LDL or “bad cholesterol”, HDL or “good cholesterol”, and triglycerides be drawn in a fasting state for all individuals after the age of 20, and every 5 years thereafter if the initial test is normal. Other guidelines recommend that screening begins at age 35 in men and at age 45 in women unless they have other risk factors including diabetes, high blood pressure, tobacco use, or a family history of early heart disease. Your doctor should advise you.