The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute initiated the National Cholesterol Education program in November, 1985 to inform people of the dangers of high cholesterol, as well as provide affordable screenings to people throughout the country. High total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, and the NCEP sets screening guidelines for both adults and children.
Adults
All adults should obtain what is known as a fasting lipoprotein profile at the age of 20, and then every five years thereafter. A fasting lipoprotein profile is taken after a 12-hour period of fasting and reveals your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, although only the total cholesterol and LDL scores are used for assessing risk. If you have a high total cholesterol score, you will need a follow-up profile and your scores will be compared to other risk factors to develop a 10-year risk profile for coronary heart disease. You would then receive new tests based on your level of risk, ranging from about every six weeks to one year.
Adult Cholesterol Guidelines
Guidelines as of February 2011 report that total cholesterol levels should fall below 200 mg per deciliter to be considered healthy. A score of 200 to 239 is borderline high, while a score higher than 240 is a serious risk of coronary heart disease. LDL levels should be lower than 100. A score of 100 to 129 is above optimal, 130 to 159 is borderline high, 160 to 189 is high and 190 or more is very high.
Children
Children should receive their first cholesterol test at age 2 and no later than age 10. Children who have cholesterol levels within a healthy range should get a new test every three to five years, while children with high cholesterol levels should receive a new test every year. Children with high cholesterol will have their scores compared to other risk factors as well, such as parents with high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, smoking, being obese or having diabetes.
Children Cholesterol Guidelines
Children should generally have lower total cholesterol than adults, with 170 mg per deciliter or less being optimal. A total cholesterol score of 170 to 199 is borderline high, while a score of 200 or more is high. Children should ideally have LDL scores of less than 110 mg per deciliter. A score of 110 to 129 is borderline high, while a score of 130 or more is high.
