High cholesterol is common and often has no symptoms, but it plays a major role in heart disease and stroke. Excess cholesterol can build up inside blood vessels. It can form plaque that narrows arteries and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lowering cholesterol—through lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, medication—has been shown to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), cholesterol testing is used as part of an overall cardiovascular risk assessment rather than as a stand‑alone screening test. Adults ages 40 to 75 who have one or more cardiovascular risk factors—such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking—should have their cholesterol checked to help estimate their 10‑year risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk estimate helps guide decisions about prevention, including whether lifestyle changes alone are appropriate or whether treatment with a cholesterol‑lowering medication such as a statin may be beneficial.
Cholesterol testing is done with a simple blood test that measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. How often cholesterol should be checked depends on age, individual risk factors, and prior results. Adults with very high LDL cholesterol or a strong family history of heart disease may need earlier or more frequent testing. If high cholesterol is identified, treatment decisions should be individualized and discussed with a healthcare provider to reduce long‑term heart and stroke risk. jamanetwork.com