The frequency of cholesterol testing depends on age, overall health, and risk factors. For healthy adults with no known risk factors, medical guidelines generally recommend having cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20. This periodic check is often included in routine health screenings and helps establish a baseline for comparison over time.
However, more frequent testing is required for individuals with higher risks. Adults over 40, or those with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, or family history of premature heart disease, should have cholesterol levels monitored more closely, often every 1 to 2 years. Doctors may even recommend annual checks if levels are already borderline or elevated.
For people on cholesterol-lowering medications, frequent follow-up testing is necessary to monitor effectiveness and adjust doses. Typically, doctors may recheck lipid levels after 6 to 12 weeks of starting treatment, and then every 3 to 12 months depending on stability.
Children and adolescents are not exempt from cholesterol testing. Pediatric guidelines suggest a first test between ages 9 and 11, and again between 17 and 21, since early detection of inherited cholesterol disorders can prevent complications later. Children with risk factors such as obesity or family history may need earlier and more frequent checks.
The rationale for regular cholesterol checks is simple: cholesterol-related conditions are silent killers. You may feel fine but still have high cholesterol, which quietly damages arteries. By catching it early, doctors can recommend preventive strategies before irreversible damage occurs.
To summarize:
Healthy adults (20–39 years): every 4–6 years.
Adults 40+ or with risk factors: every 1–2 years.
On treatment for cholesterol: as frequently as the physician advises.
Children (with risk factors): as recommended, sometimes before age 9.
Therefore, cholesterol checks should not be delayed or ignored. They are a simple, low-cost tool with a huge impact on long-term cardiovascular health.