BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Even though up to a quarter of young adults have high cholesterol, less than half of them actually get screened, according to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study analyzed data on more than 2,500 people as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

In various groups studied, the rate of high bad cholesterol ranged from 7 to 26 percent in young adults.

Bad cholesterol is a common risk factor for coronary heart disease, but it can be managed by eating a healthy diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. It can also be treated with medication if needed.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the body and many foods.

Too much cholesterol can cause plaque in the arteries, and when the plaque is totally blocking an artery, a heart attack occurs.

Approximately 55 percent of American young adults have at least one risk factor for coronary heart disease, whether it is high blood pressure, smoking, family history or obesity.

There are generally no symptoms of high cholesterol, which is why experts say it's so important to get screened.