Can High Cholesterol Be Hereditary (Inherited)?

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The gene mutation that can be potential to cause familial hypercholesterolemia comes from chromosome no 19 that has information for a specific protein called as LDL receptor. This receptor has a significant contribution in clearing LDL from the bloodstream.

Therefore, people with familial hypercholesterolemia are easier to have high LDL and at high risk of getting a heart attack at early age.

The goal of the treatment for genetically high cholesterol problem

Like in high cholesterol in non familial hypercholesterolemia, the goal of the treatment is to keep the levels of LDL and total cholesterol as close to normal as possible in order to minimize the chance of developing atherosclerosis – see also good /normal levels of LDL and HDL on this section!

But since people with familial hypercholesterolemia are relatively easier to get increased LDL than others, doctor may set the target of lowering LDL and total cholesterol lower than usual – ask a doctor for in-depth information about this issue!

What are other unchangeable risk factors?

While obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise are risk factors that you can control to prevent high cholesterol, but genetic trait of having family history of heart disease is uncontrollable risk factor. Other unchangeable risk factors include:

  1. Age – as you get older, your risk increases (as noted before). In fact the problem is less common in teenagers and young adults. But it and heart disease is more common in older adults (particularly in women over 55 and men over 45, according to the American Heart Association).
  2. Your gender also can have contribution to your risk. For instance, men are less likely to have obesity than women. Furthermore, women in their post-menopause phase, their LDL levels are relatively easier to rise.
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