As people age, they become vulnerable to certain health complications that may be the result of their lifestyles or simply their age. One of the causes of lifestyle complications for people age 40 and older may be high cholesterol. Fortunately, regular cholesterol screenings may help you keep your cholesterol levels in check. Here's how.

1. Cholesterol screenings may help you learn your LDL cholesterol levels. LDL, or low density lipoproteins, are the "bad" body fats that may block the flow of blood in your arteries. Left unchecked, high levels of LDL may cause atherosclerosis and strokes.
2. Screening for cholesterol may help you learn your HDL cholesterol levels. HDL, or high density lipoproteins, are the "good" body fats that clear bad cholesterol from your arteries and transport it to your liver for excretion.
3. Getting a lipid test may help you make necessary lifestyle changes. If your cholesterol readings show unhealthy levels of "bad" cholesterol in your body, you might consider making lifestyle changes, including eating healthy foods and exercising with guidance from your doctor.
4. Screening may also give you an idea of the kind of foods to avoid. If your LDL levels are high, it's a good idea to limit your consumption of high-fat foods or foods with high sodium levels. Start exercising regularly to help your body burn accumulated fat too.
5. Early screening may help to detect problems that high cholesterol causes before they become worse.  It's easier to treat men and women for cholesterol-related problems when they're younger than when they're older. Early detection may also prevent severe cases of stroke, heart disease, or arterial clogging.

If you're above the age of 40, you might consider having regular cholesterol screenings that may help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.