My Cholesterol Is Very High (>300). Should I Have My Children's Cholesterol Checked?

— -- Question: My cholesterol is very high (>300); should I have my children's cholesterol checked?

Answer: Yes, if your cholesterol is high -- and we now say a total cholesterol above 240 is considered high -- if your cholesterol is 300, then we would certainly want your children to be screened because of the genetic tendency that they may also have a high level of cholesterol.

And so, if we can identify a high cholesterol in them as well, then we can begin to institute lifestyle measures, because hardening of the arteries takes a long time to develop, and the earlier that we start, the better the chances are that we will reduce the risk of developing a heart attack as we get older.

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