How often should I check cholesterol levels?

[betterhealth4me]

We have a relative that is aging and suffering from heart disease as well congestive heart failure which makes me focus more on preventative options for our family.  How often should we be checking our cholesterol levels to be healthy?

This page helped give some information but I still would like to know others' experience or suggestions:

http://www.medhelp.org/tags/health_page/280/Heart/How-Can-a-Heart-Attack-Be-Prevented?hp_id=213

[betterhealth4me]

Thanks Jon for the response, certainly appreciate it, makes sense indeed.

[erijon]

Great question, recently the National Institute of Health has come out and said that unless an individual has a higher than normal risk of developing heart disease, once a year is sufficient. If you have two or more of these risk factors or already have heart disease you may want to go to 6 months;

High Cholesterol
High BP
Over weight
Smoking
Family history

This is a question you should discuss with your doctor as they know your history and can give you the best answer for you.

Hope this helps,

Jon