Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cholesterol and heart disease at an early age. Many people with genetic high cholesterol experience heart attacks before the age of 50. Since FH symptoms aren’t always obvious, many individuals remain unaware of their risk until it's too late.
A doctor can diagnose familial hypercholesterolemia through cholesterol testing and a lipid panel to measure LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), and total cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol is consistently high, your doctor may recommend FH screening and diagnosis through genetic testing.
In addition to lab tests, some physical signs of high cholesterol include:
However, these symptoms aren’t exclusive to familial hypercholesterolemia. If you notice these signs, don’t self-diagnose—schedule a cholesterol test with your doctor to determine the cause.
If you have FH or high cholesterol causes concern, here’s how you can manage it:
Doctors often prescribe statins to lower LDL cholesterol in individuals with genetic high cholesterol. Regular cholesterol testing is crucial to monitor progress.
While genetics and cholesterol play a significant role, lifestyle modifications are critical for managing cholesterol and heart disease risk:
If you're looking for supplements that promote healthy cholesterol levels cholesterol-lowering supplements, consider BergaMetCitrus Bergamot for cholesterol management. Derived from the Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™, it has been clinically shown to help:
BergaMet Pro+ is a premium cholesterol-supportlowering supplement that contains the highest concentration of polyphenols (80%), making it one of the most effective natural cholesterol support options available. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot tolerate statins.
It was once believed that diet and lifestyle played the biggest role in cholesterol and heart disease, with genetics accounting for only 15% of the risk. However, modern research suggests that genetics and cholesterol levels contribute 40–50% of the risk. This means that even if you’re genetically predisposed, cholesterol management strategies like exercise, diet, and supplements still make a difference.
As the saying goes, "your genes load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger."
Imagine walking across a rickety old bridge. No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance you'll slip. But that doesn’t mean you should start doing handstands and pirouettes. Instead, take control of the cholesterol risk factors within your power:
These small but powerful changes reduce your risk of heart disease, even if you have familial hypercholesterolemia.
If you have a family history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes, you may have familial hypercholesterolemia. While FH is rare, it can drastically increase your cholesterol and heart disease risk, making early detection and cholesterol management strategies essential.
The bad news? Untreated FH significantly raises the risk of heart attack before age 50.
The good news? There are multiple ways to manage and reduce that risk—through medication, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements like BergaMet Pro+.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a cholesterol test and take charge of your heart health today!
Q: Is familial hypercholesterolemia curable?
A: No, FH is a lifelong genetic condition, but it can be managed effectively with medication, diet, exercise, and supplements like BergaMet Pro+.
Q: Can you have high cholesterol without FH?
A: Yes, high cholesterol can result from diet, lifestyle, and other medical conditions, even if FH is not present.
Q: What foods should I avoid if I have FH?
A: Avoid trans fats, processed foods, fried foods, and excessive sugar, which can worsen cholesterol levels.
Q: How is FH inherited?
A: FH is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning you only need one affected parent to inherit the condition.
Q: Can children have familial hypercholesterolemia?
A: Yes, FH can be diagnosed in childhood, and early intervention is crucial to prevent complications later in life.
Q: What happens if FH is left untreated?
A: Untreated FH significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes at a young age.
Q: Can FH be detected with a simple cholesterol test?
A: A cholesterol test can indicate high cholesterol, but genetic testing is required to confirm FH.