Final answer:
A person should be screened every five years for high blood cholesterol to monitor and manage the risk of heart disease, with lifestyle changes recommended for those with high levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person should be screened every five years for high blood cholesterol. This recommendation is supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High blood cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease, making regular screening an important preventative measure. As individuals age, there tends to be a natural increase in cholesterol levels, with young adults averaging around 170 mg/100 mL of blood and males at age 55 potentially reaching levels at 250 mg/100 mL or higher. Women generally exhibit lower blood cholesterol levels.
Monitoring cholesterol is critical because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol transporter," are linked with an increased risk of heart attack, whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good cholesterol transporter," helps to reduce this risk. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity are recommended for managing cholesterol levels. A healthy diet low in saturated fats and trans fatty acids, combined with regular exercise, can both lower total cholesterol and improve the LDL:HDL ratio.