The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults should have their cholesterol level checked every 4-6 years starting at age 20. As we age our cholesterol levels tend to rise. If your cholesterol level is high it should be checked more frequently — at least annually. And if you have a family history of high cholesterol, it should be monitored several times a year. Your doctor will conduct a risk assessment to determine if you need to take a cholesterol medication. If you have high cholesterol but are considered “heart healthy” and have no additional risk factors, you might not need to take medication. If you have additional risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, a smoker or family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, they will usually recommend you take medication to control your cholesterol. If you’ve already suffered a heart attack or stroke, chances are you will be prescribed medication to prevent a future one if you’re not already taking one. Statins are generally considered the first-line treatment for high cholesterol. There are a number of these medications available including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin). Your doctor’s personal prescribing habits will determine which statin you are prescribed, though they are all available as generics, so they are cheap.