Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were obtained in 110 senior high school students who were predominantly Hispanic. Results were compared with family history of premature coronary heart disease or hypercholesterolemia. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in Hispanic adolescents than in non-Hispanics (P less than 0.05). A positive family history was found in 22% of the subjects. Only 25% of the students with high levels of total cholesterol had a positive family history. The positive predictive value of family history for a high level of total cholesterol was only 38%. These results suggest that adolescents should be screened for hypercholesterolemia regardless of a positive family history.