Cholesterol Testing Schedule: By Age & Risk Level

Cholesterol Testing Schedule: By Age & Risk Level

Age Group Risk Level Recommended Testing Frequency 20–39 years Low risk (no major risk factors) Every 5 years Moderate/high risk (family history, diabetes, etc.) Every 1–3 years Known heart disease or very high cholesterol At least annually Men 40–64 years Low risk Every 5 years Moderate/high risk (smoking, hypertension, etc.) Every 1–3 years Known heart…

Checking Levels

When Should You Check Your Cholesterol? Know Your Risk. If you’re a man age 35 or older or a woman age 45 or older, it’s time to start having your cholesterol checked regularly. Why? Because cholesterol levels—and the plaque they can create—often creep up silently, long before symptoms appear. Depending on your numbers and your…

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a broad term that refers to the stiffening, thickening, or loss of elasticity in arterial walls. Think of it like the difference between a flexible garden hose and one that’s been left out in the sun for too long—it becomes rigid, less responsive, and prone to cracking.

What is the difference between HDL and LDL

HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is believed to have a protective effect against heart disease because…