AdvertisingMayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.Reprint PermissionsA single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.© 1998-2025 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved., High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to find out if you have it. When to see a doctor. The American Heart Association recommends that children get checked, also called screened, for high cholesterol once between ages 9 and 11. Screening may start earlier if a child has a family history of high cholesterol, heart attack , For a cholesterol test, you'll likely have to stop eating and drinking about 9 to 12 hours before the test. You may be able to have water if your healthcare team says it's OK. Make a list of: Your symptoms, if any. Key personal information, including a family history of high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, strokes, high blood pressure or .