High levels of cholesterol cause the formation of plates in the arteries that restrict blood and oxygen flow. Family hypercholesterolemia is a health condition in which genetics contributes significantly.
Colesterol control is part of the daily conversation. High cholesterol low, bad cholesterol, good cholesterol. The sedentary lifestyle affects this hilling accumulation and causes serious health problems. Cholesterol is an important component of the cell membrane that helps in the production of hormones in our body and occurs when foods containing fats and oils are digested.
Cholesterol is mainly two types: LDL (low density lipoprotein), known as bad cholesterol, and HDL (high density lipoprotein), known as good cholesterol. The LDL generally adheres to the arteries, which causes its narrowing and causes heart disease, while HDL helps maintain LDL levels under control.
Cholesterol levels are influenced by several factors, including diet, lifestyle and genetics. But did you know that genes also affect cholesterol? Certain genes, such as LDLR, APOB and PCSK9, influence cholesterol metabolism and participate in the regulation of LDL cholesterol. The variants of these genes can affect the way the body handles cholesterol, which leads to higher LDL levels. This condition is known as family hypercholesterolemia (FH), it is a genetic disorder that leads to abnormally high levels of low density (LDL) lipoproteins in the blood and significantly increases the risk of early heart disease and stroke and stroke.
All about family hypercholesterolemia
If one of the parents has FH, there is a 50% chance that the child also has a similar disease, explained Dr. Naveen Bhamri, Senior Director and Hod, interventionist cardiology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, while talking exclusively With India. .com. It is one of the most common genetic disorders, but it is often not diagnosed until some symptoms or complication appears; The first symptoms include:
- High levels of LDL cholesterol
- Swollen or painful tendons.
- Fat deposits on the skin, especially in the hands, feet, elbows or knees.
- A grayish white ring around the cornea.
- Cholesterol deposits in the eyelids.
One should undergo lipid profile tests and genetic tests if any of the previous symptoms or if someone in the family has an early heart disease or sudden heart events.
For most people with HF, changes in lifestyle are not enough. Medication is important to maintain cholesterol levels and prevent early heart disease.
Prevention tips for family hypercholesterolemia (FH)
- have a Heart healthy diet That includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats (found in red meat and whole dairy) and avoid trans fats; Instead, include healthy hearts for the heart, such as nuts, seeds and fatty fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids).
- Do regular exercise And try to perform at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity of moderate intensity per week, says Dr. Bhamri. Exercise helps improve cholesterol profiles and the general health of the heart.
- Avoid smoking since it exacerbates the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Manage healthy weight To reduce tension in the cardiovascular system
For most people with HF, changes in lifestyle are not enough. The medication is the cornerstone of the treatment, since it will help reduce the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver, the absorption of cholesterol will decrease in the digestive tract, it will improve the elimination of the cholesterol from the blood torrent and link the bile acids in the intestine for Promote cholesterol excretion.
Perform regular monitoring of lipid profile tests to guarantee the efficacy of cardiovascular treatment and evaluations for the early detection of heart disease risk factors. The combination of adequate consultations, medication and lifestyle habits can help control cholesterol.