Health experts say individuals should begin having their cholesterol screened starting at age 20 to avoid an increased risk of heart disease.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center cardiologist Dr. Anand Rohatgi says even young adults and teens can show evidence of hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. He recommends screenings every five years, beginning at age 20.

If screenings reveal low levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, or high levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, screening frequency should be increased to every one or two years. In addition, doctors may recommend counseling on lifestyle changes to keep cholesterol in check.

"Simple measures that can reduce cholesterol levels include decreasing the amount of saturated fat to less than 7 percent of total calories consumed each day," Dr. Rohatgi says. "Also, increasing the amount of soluble fiber by just 5 to 10 grams daily and limiting cholesterol intake to less than 200 milligrams per day are helpful."

Among the herbs and nutritional supplements believed to help lower cholesterol are fish oil, flaxseed, garlic, blond psyllium, guggulipid extract, green tea extract and beta sitosterol.