(HealthDay News) -- If you have high cholesterol, you are at greater risk of developing a number of health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

High cholesterol often lacks symptoms, so cholesterol should be checked early in life, between ages 9 and 12, between ages 17 and 19, and at least every five years in adulthood.

The CDC suggests how to manage your cholesterol:

  • Eat healthy foods that are high in fiber. Limit those that are high in saturated fats or trans fats, sugar, and salt.
  • Get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate exercise every week.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Take medicine, if necessary, to maintain healthy cholesterol.