High blood pressure means either your top number (systolic reading) is 140 or higher, or your bottom number (diastolic reading) is 90 or higher, or both.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also among a cluster of conditions that together are called metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome raises your risk for diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke.
High cholesterol can start in childhood or adolescence. That’s why current guidelines suggest beginning screenings during childhood.
These are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider will discuss what’s best for you. For example, someone in their 20s with high cholesterol numbers may need yearly tests for a while. People with other heart disease risk factors may need more frequent tests, too.