The primary source of cholesterol production is your liver, while the secondary source is the food you eat: Fried food, foods high in fat and foods high in cholesterol. Another factor affecting one in 500 people results in high cholesterol as well -- genetics. Those with this condition, known as familial hypercholesterolaemia, receive the same treatment as those with high cholesterol that isn't hereditary. Its indications, however, differ slightly.
Definition
Familial hypercholesterolaemia results from a defective gene. This gene, when normal, allows your body to remove excess LDL, or bad cholesterol, from your body. The defect in the gene causes the LDL to build up in your blood from birth. This places you at risk for hardening of the arteries, heart disease and heart attack at a younger age. Brothers, sisters and children of a person with familial hypercholesterolaemia have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition as well, explains the Net Doctor website.
Indications of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
One of the most common indications of familial hypercholesterolaemia are cholesterol deposits. These can appear on your eyelids or on other areas of your body, such as your Achilles tendon. Yellow or white in color, they are soft, raised bumps that indicate your blood fat levels are too high. They are not contagious or harmful, but you may choose treatment for cosmetic reasons. Another indication of this condition is a family history of early heart disease, and symptoms of this disease, such as chest pain.
Diagnosing Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Although the most common means of diagnosing high cholesterol is a lipid profile, a blood test that detects high cholesterol levels, further testing may be necessary for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Genetic testing is one such test -- this detects any abnormal genes, narrowing down the specific gene related to this condition. A physical exam is also necessary; this helps detect cholesterol deposits on your eyes or other areas of your body.
Treating Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Dietary and lifestyle changes are first and foremost when treating this condition. A diet low in fat and cholesterol is imperative -- saturated fats and daily dietary cholesterol levels above 300 mg increase your LDL levels. Eating more fish and poultry, while reducing your consumption of red meat, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Increasing your level of physical activity helps strengthen your heart and decrease your LDL cholesterol. High fiber foods such as oats, bran, whole grain and whole wheat absorb excess cholesterol in your intestines, flushing it from your body through bowel movements.
Medications
People who suffer from familial hypercholesterolaemia must take medications in addition to making lifestyle and dietary changes, while those who do not suffer from this condition may lower their cholesterol with dietary changes alone. The most common medications are statins, according to Net Doctor. These drugs can lower your LDL up to 50 percent. Other medications, such as bile acid sequestrants and absorption inhibitors, may be used in combination with statins for maximum efficacy.
Considerations
Treatment does not end with the medications you take or the dietary changes you follow. If you have familial hypercholesterolaemia, your treatment is lifelong. Baptist Health Systems explains that the goal is not only to lower your cholesterol levels, but also to prevent the development of heart disease and hardening of the arteries, both of which you are at risk for with this condition. Your doctor may also recommend visiting a lipid specialist -- a doctor who works only with patients suffering from high cholesterol.
