Cholesterol is a substance that is found in all of your body's cells. The body uses cholesterol to hold cells together and to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. However, if there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can lead to problems. A simple blood test can determine if your cholesterol level is too high. Most healthcare providers recommended that a person have a fasting cholesterol test every five years. However, a person with risk factors for heart disease should have this test more frequently.