When others hear about high cholesterol, they think it’s because they eat too much fried stuff or don’t move enough. And those are good reasons. But there’s another reason that people don’t realise is genetics. Yes, high cholesterol is hereditary. If your parents have high cholesterol, chances are you may also have it. This is called familial hyperparathyroidism.
A lot of individuals with inherited high cholesterol are not aware of it until they undergo a blood test or encounter a cardiac event. This is why testing and awareness are necessary early on, particularly if there is a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
In such conditions, physicians mostly advise a lifestyle adjustment combined with medicines like rosuvas 10 mg or Rosuren 10 Tablet, which are normally suggested to assist in decreasing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Now, let’s move in deeper detail regarding inherited high cholesterol and how to prevent or deal with it if you are at a higher risk.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty material present in your body and in some foods you consume. Your body requires some cholesterol to construct cells, produce hormones, and digest food. However, excessive cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol”, can accumulate in your blood vessels and result in heart disease or stroke.
Two main types of cholesterol exist:
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Bad cholesterol that can block arteries.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Positive cholesterol that assists in eliminating unwanted LDL from your body.
Can High Cholesterol Run in the Family?
Yes, high cholesterol can be inherited through your genes. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition that influences how the body metabolises LDL cholesterol. Individuals with FH typically have significantly high levels of LDL even when they consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Some indications that your high cholesterol could be genetic:
- A history of heart attacks in your family at a young age (less than 55 for men, less than 65 for women)
- A parent or sibling with a diagnosis of high cholesterol
- Extremely high levels of LDL despite good habits
- Fatty lumps around the eyes or tendons (xanthomas)
Why You Should Care
If you don’t treat high cholesterol, it can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This puts you at risk for:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Angina (chest pain)
- Peripheral artery disease
Individuals with inherited high cholesterol are more likely to develop these conditions at a younger age, even in their 30s or 40s.
What Can You Do if High Cholesterol Runs in Your Family?
1. Get Tested Early
If you have a history in your family, don’t wait for symptoms to develop. A simple blood test, called a lipid profile, can take a reading of your cholesterol level. It’s suggested you begin testing cholesterol at age 20 or sooner if you have a known family risk.
2. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat foods that lower LDL and raise HDL:
- More fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains such as oats and brown rice
- Lean proteins such as fish, tofu, or legumes
- Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil
- Restrict foods with saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars.
3. Be Active Regularly
Exercise helps increase your HDL levels and decrease LDL and triglycerides. Try for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) most weekdays.
4. Take Medicine
For most individuals with genetic high cholesterol, lifestyle modifications might not be sufficient. Physicians usually prescribe statins, like Rosuvas 10 mg or rosuren 10 tablet, to control cholesterol levels.
These medications inhibit an enzyme in the liver that contributes to the production of cholesterol. This decreases LDL and your risk of heart disease over time. They are usually safe for long-term use when taken under medical guidance.
If you’re managing your medications through online medicine delivery, make sure to stay consistent with your doses and follow your doctor’s advice closely.
5. Stay Consistent with Checkups
If you’re on cholesterol-lowering medications, regular follow-ups with your doctor are necessary. You’ll need periodic blood tests to check how well the medication is working and if any adjustments are needed.
How Rosuvas 10 mg and Rosuren 10 Tablet Help
Both Rosuvas 10 mg and Rosuren 10 Tablet fall under the category of medications known as statins. They reduce LDL cholesterol by inhibiting the liver enzyme used to produce it. They may also slightly increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease triglycerides.
Physicians will typically begin with a low dose and can increase as needed according to your reaction and side effects. These medicines are particularly helpful for individuals who have inherited high cholesterol, getting them to more safe levels of cholesterol and minimizing the occurrence of cardiovascular events.
Final Thoughts
High cholesterol isn’t always caused by bad diet or inactivity, it can be genetic. If you know it’s something that runs in your family, taking action early can make a huge difference. Get tested, lead a healthy lifestyle, and discuss with your doctor whether medications such as Rosuvas 10 mg or Rosuren 10 Tablet are appropriate for you.
Due to online medication delivery, maintaining an upper hand with your medicines is now more convenient than it ever was before. Just recall, knowledge is strength. You gain the ability to control your cardiovascular health with prior knowledge about your family medical history.