What's the right age for a first cholesterol test?
By age 20 and beyond, all adults should know what their cholesterol levels are. That's the age recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all body cells. The body uses it for cell and tissue formation, but too much cholesterol is linked with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cardiologists say everyone should know their cholesterol readings by at least age 20.
If the reading is high, life-style changes may be required to stop progression. There is overwhelming evidence that coronary heart disease can be prevented with aggressive reduction of cholesterol levels, cessation of smoking, and controlling weight and diabetes.
Early testing gives physicians the chance to follow patients and monitor cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol-cutting tips
Cutting fat is essential.
* Eat frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream or sherbet instead of ice cream.
* Broil, poach, grill, or bake meat and fish.
* Snack on apples and pears.
* Trim the fat from meat before cooking.
* Include in your diet salmon, mackerel and herring to increase Omega 3 fatty acids.
* Whey protein, found in dairy products, can be added as a supplement to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
