When to Have a Cholesterol Test
Overview
Doctors use different guidelines to decide when a person should have a cholesterol test.
A cholesterol test can be one of the things doctors use to check on your risk of heart attack and stroke. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommends a cholesterol test if you are 40 or older. Your doctor may recommend this test if you are younger and have risk factors for heart disease.footnote 1
How often to be screened
How often you should get a cholesterol test depends on your cholesterol level, your other health problems, and your overall chance of heart disease. An adult who is being treated for high cholesterol may need more frequent tests, depending on the cholesterol level and the type of treatment being used.
Cholesterol tests for children and teens
Your child's doctor may suggest a cholesterol test based on your child's age, a physical exam of your child, or their family history.
Cholesterol problems that are passed down in families are common and can cause heart disease early in life. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends every child have a cholesterol test after age 2, ideally during their first 10 years of life.
You can ask your child's doctor about testing your child’s cholesterol.
References
Citations
- Pearson GJ, et al. (2021). 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 37(8): 1129–1150. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.03.016. Accessed May 15, 2023.
Credits
Adaptation Date: 07/07/2026
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Date: 07/07/2026
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Pearson GJ, et al. (2021). 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 37(8): 1129–1150. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.03.016. Accessed May 15, 2023.
