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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in every cell in your body and travels regularly through your bloodstream. In itself, it’s not a bad thing. If your cholesterol gets too high, however—meaning too much of it is in your blood—that’s a red flag. High cholesterol is linked to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening ailments, from heart disease to stroke. Diverse factors contribute to these dangerous levels—and one of them is genetics.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

high cholesterolThis inherited form of high cholesterol, known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), affects approximately one in 500 people. That might sound small, but it means that over a half-a-million Americans have it. What’s more, experts believe it to be more dangerous than high cholesterol that has been brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle. If untreated, 85% of men and 50% of women with familial hypercholesterolemia will have a stroke, heart attack, or cardiac arrest before the age of 65.

Treatment

If FH is detected, most doctors will immediately recommend a cholesterol-lowering statin. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is a must. Quitting smoking is also a positive step, as it not only benefits cholesterol levels, but it also lowers blood pressure and decreases your risk of heart disease.

Since high cholesterol doesn’t exhibit any symptoms, it’s sometimes referred to as a “silent killer.” For this reason, it’s essential to get a blood test to check your levels as part of your annual physical exam. This is especially important if you’ve had a family history of high cholesterol or issues controlling yours in the past. 

 

If you are struggling with your heart health due to high cholesterol, look to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ, for help. Comprised of a team of board-certified cardiovascular physicians, this practice offers cutting-edge services, from cardiac CTs and EKGs to coronary and peripheral artery interventions. Find out more about their offerings online. To schedule an appointment and check if your insurance carrier is accepted, call (201) 845-3535 today.  

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