High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. A common assumption is that you'll have high cholesterol if you are overweight and eat fatty foods. High cholesterol can also be an inherited condition, a situation that is no fault of your own, save for your unlucky genetics. Genetic, or familial hypercholesterolemia is the term used to describe a chromosomal defect that results in high cholesterol. Genetic issues with cholesterol are treated in the same way as high cholesterol stemming from other causes.
Step 1
Schedule a complete physical exam with your family doctor. According to the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Medline website, people affected by familial hypercholesterolemia may also have fatty deposits in their eyes, or around their joints, which may require treatment.
Step 2
Take a blood test to determine your cholesterol levels. Medline reports that people who have genetic high cholesterol may see readings up to 300 mg/dl for an adult's total cholesterol or 250 mg/dl for a child. The American Heart Association defines normal total cholesterol levels as being under 200 mg/dl. Knowing your number will help your doctor determine medication dosages.
Step 3
Modify your diet by eating less red meat and saturated fats. Choose low-fat dairy products and eat lots of fresh produce that doesn't contribute to your cholesterol levels. Though familial hypercholesterolemia usually can't be controlled by diet alone, according to Australia's Better Health Channel, you will benefit by not adding to the problem.
Step 4
Exercise, under the supervision of your doctor. Regular exercise--specific time considerations and type of exercise may be determined by your overall health--can help lower cholesterol levels and shave off some weight if needed. Weight loss and exercise can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Step 5
Re-check your cholesterol levels after three months of lifestyle changes. Even taking your genetic factors into consideration, your cholesterol may drop enough to avoid medications. Medline says people who get only one defective gene may be more successful than those who have the familial hypercholesterolemia genes from both parents.
Step 6
If necessary, take statin drugs to control your cholesterol levels. Because your condition is inherited, you may need extra help in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Things You'll Need
- Blood tests
- Cholesterol-reducing medications
