Cholesterol problems often progress silently, without obvious signs until significant damage appears.
According to Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, a cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, India: If you have high family blood cholesterol (FH), the risk of heart disease begins very early, sometimes right in your twenties. Regular testing is the only way to detect early and control it promptly". People with FH have high LDL levels regardless of lifestyle or diet, so changing your usual eating habits is not enough to control cholesterol.
What is genetic hypercholesterolemia and its associated risks
High family blood cholesterol is a serious genetic condition, significantly increasing the risk of early cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, people with FH are 20 times more likely to have a heart attack than normal people. The CDC recommends first cholesterol testing between the ages of 9 and 11 and regular monitoring, especially if there is a family history of heart disease. Even children or young people with a high BMI, diabetes or a family history of FH should be checked more often.
Proactively managing cholesterol helps protect the cardiovascular system
Proactive cholesterol management includes a healthy lifestyle and taking medication when needed. A diet low in saturated fat, rich in fiber and whole foods, combined with regular physical activity, can help improve cholesterol, says Dr. Lisa Smith, a clinical nutritionist at Harvard University, USA. However, for people with FH, this is often not enough, taking statins and regular blood lipid testing is mandatory to protect the heart".
Starting with early detection and regular testing, you can reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. Following your diet, regular exercise, and adhering to the treatment instructions of experts will help control cholesterol effectively, even for people with genetic factors. Proactiveness is key to helping you and your family maintain long-term cardiovascular health.
