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Screening for Lipid Disorders

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Screening for Lipid Disorders

Screening is done to find a health problem early and treat it. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at risk for the health problem.

Screening Guidelines

How often a person should be screened can differ based on their age. It may also depend on if there are other things that can put them at risk of having a lipid disorder. It is vital for a person to talk to their doctor about their lipid levels and risk of heart disease.

Adults

  • Starting at age 20—Look at lipid levels and risk of heart disease every 4 to 6 years.
  • Aged 40 to 75 years—The doctor should also look at a person’s chance of getting heart disease in the next 10 years.

Children

Screening for children should be done at 9 to 11 years of age and again at 17 to 21 years of age. It may be done at other ages if there are things such as family history, diabetes, or weight issues.

Screening Tests

Some blood will be taken to check the levels of:

  • HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

References

  • Grundy, S.M., Stone, N.J., et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol. Circulation, 2019; 139 (25): e1084-e1143.
  • Hypercholesterolemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypercholesterolemia.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypertriglyceridemia.
  • NHLBI integrated guidelines for pediatric cardiovascular risk reduction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nhlbi-integrated-guidelines-for-pediatric-cardiovascular-risk-reduction-22.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.