What to do if you have inherited high cholesterol
Once you find out you have FH, your doctor will likely advise paying attention to your diet and exercise habits, according to Kopecky. These lifestyle changes won’t actually change your LDL cholesterol because your high cholesterol is driven by genetics, Kopecky explains. However, living a healthy lifestyle does lower your cardiac risk by up to 80 percent, he says.
The AHA recommends eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and limiting sodium, added sugars, and red and processed meats. Additionally, you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week—in the form of walking, running, cycling, swimming, or even yard work, according to the AHA. Kopecky warns against smoking as well.
Katz says it’s a good idea to keep up with cholesterol screenings every year or every other year—and to consider medication like statins—based on your individual risk level and family history.
A diagnosis of FH can actually be good news because it means you can ultimately prevent the dangers that high cholesterol poses. “In most cases, I consider high cholesterol treatable and a winnable battle,” Sarraju says.