High cholesterol is a significant health concern characterized by an excess of cholesterol in the blood, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases if left unchecked. Cholesterol exists in two forms: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as 'good' cholesterol. While high cholesterol usually presents no symptoms, it can result in serious health issues over time, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue due to plaque buildup in arteries. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years. Those with risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, obesity, or diabetes should undergo more frequent testing, potentially annually or every 1-2 years. Children and adolescents also need to be screened at specific ages to ensure early detection and management of high cholesterol, which can significantly reduce health risks.