Family history of high cholesterol
Overview
Family history of high cholesterol refers to having blood relatives who have been diagnosed with elevated cholesterol levels or cholesterol-related cardiovascular conditions. This genetic predisposition increases an individual's risk of developing high cholesterol and related heart disease.
Common Causes
Having family members with high cholesterol often indicates a genetic predisposition to elevated cholesterol levels. This hereditary condition, known as familial hypercholesterolemia, can cause your body to produce too much cholesterol or have difficulty removing it from your bloodstream. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, people with this genetic tendency may still develop high cholesterol levels that require medical management.
Severity Levels
If you have a family history of high cholesterol, regular monitoring is essential even if you feel healthy. Mild risk means having one or two relatives with high cholesterol - consider annual cholesterol screenings starting in your 20s or 30s. Moderate risk involves multiple family members or early-onset heart disease in relatives - discuss more frequent testing and preventive measures with your doctor. Severe risk includes immediate family members with very high cholesterol or early heart attacks - you may need aggressive monitoring, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication even at a young age.
Medical Attention
If you have a family history of high cholesterol, schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider starting in your 20s or as recommended by your doctor. Seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart-related symptoms. Contact your doctor if you notice significant changes in your energy levels or develop new symptoms that concern you. It's important to discuss your family history during routine visits so your provider can recommend appropriate screening and prevention strategies.
4k+ Collection Centres
90k+ Biomarkers Tested
Early Detection