The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), through its National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), recommends adults begin cholesterol screening at age 20. http://www.healthywomen.org/healthtopics/cholesterol/diagnosis/q/L2/88/L3/1.0000/L1/3
A laboratory blood test is necessary to give an accurate check of cholesterol levels. http://www.diseases-explained.com/Cholesterol/cholesteroldiagnosis.html
High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms.
http://heartdisease.upmc.com/highcholesterol/Diagnosis.htm