Cholesterol question- inherited?

[Kellygirl6]

Hello,  

I am curious how you would know if you have the familial type of inherited cholesterol problem vs. just high cholesterol.

It was discovered that I had higher than normal total cholesterol and LDL at age 23.  (not outrageous, but higher than the acceptable levels).  I am now 38 and on Vytorin now.  I have 2 small children and I'm concerned that I may pass on this problem to them.

Their pediatrician asked if I know if I have the familial kind --and I just don' know.

Advice very appreciated.
Thank you!!

[Kellygirl6]

Thank you for the info!  I just wanted to clarify - even though neither of my parents (who are in their 60s)have never had high cholesterol, could they have just been a carrier for FH and passed it on to me, or did they have to have the high cholesterol themselves for my type to be FH?  I hope this makes sense... thank you!

p.s.  I am so glad for you and  all who have posted that you are doing well and that meds are working.  :)

[Pepperliveson]

It's not possible to have a familial form if one of your parents does not have it.  The inherited hypercholesterolemias are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner meaning that you must get the gene from one of your parents.  Some people get a bad gene from both parents and then they have the homozygous form of the disease and do much worse.  I am lucky in that I got a good gene from my Mom but a bad gene from my Dad so I am heterozygous.  Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise (at least 150 minutes per week) and diet (low fat/low cholesterol) and no smoking (if you do smoke) should make a big difference in your cholesterol level.  Infact, once you get those things in full swing, you should be able to come off your medicine.  Right now, it's a good idea to stay on Vytorin until you can improve those other areas.  Good luck!  I know it's not easy.

[Kellygirl6]

Thank you both for your posts and for sharing your personal information.  I am so thankful for people like you!  Since age 23 (I am now 38), my cholesterol has looked pretty much like this over each yearly check up:

total 251, hdl 42, ldl 173, tri vary from 83 to 179.

Finally at age 38, my dr. put me on Vytorin. (I also have been teetering on borderline high blood pressure over the years and he finally put me on meds for both.  I guess he figured it was just time.) I am otherwise healthy, but about 30 pounds overweight and have 2 children under age 3.

I have another strange problem associated with hormones.  When on "the pill" prior to age 23, my total was 354 and ldl was 254.  The same thing happened during pregnancy.  

My numbers go up wildly when exposed to hormones like the pill or pregnancy.  But even when not exposed, my figures are elevated.  

My kids pediatrician asked about family history and the familial type and I didn't know.

Neither parent (age 65 & 60) has high cholesterol, though my mom has obesity and type II diabetes.  My maternal grandmother had CAD, but lived into her 80s, so I don't think cholesterol problems strongly exist in my family.  So, I think it's odd that I have issues with it.  

Is it possible to have the familial version when neither parent or my sister has it?

Thanks so much!

[Sweetwaterguy]

Finding genetic links can be very difficut.  They do not always follow straight lines.  The reality is you have cholesterol issues.  Whether any or all of your children will inherit is not known at this time.  Being vigilant regarding yourself and your children is very important, as you have implied.  

[Pepperliveson]

Hello I have familial hypercholesterolemia.  There are several different types of inherited hypercholesterolemia and I have the one with extremly high LDL.  My total cholesterol was 399 and my LDL was 330.  My HDL is 60 and my triglycerides are normal.  I take Lipitor and Zetia to control it.  Typically, if you have an inherited type of hypercholesterolemia, you will see premature cardiovascular disease in either your mother or father.  What is their status?  Do either of them have the cholesterol levels that you do?  What about your grandparents?  Did they have any cardiovascular disease?  Did you try lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) before you started Vytorin?

[Pepperliveson]

I forgot to mention that it is very common and normal for cholesterol to rise during pregnancy.  I think the important thing to do now is to get your total cholesterol under 200, your HDL over 50 and your LDL under 130. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training will increase your HDL as it lowers your LDL.

[anacyde]

It definitely runs in my family.  I have the same concerns about passing this along to my children.  The best we can do is live healthy lifestyles, adopt a diet that is heart healthy, and teach our children healthy ways to eat and model the example for them by doing so ourselves.

My family may have autoimmune hyperlipidemia, I just learned.  Of my dad's side of the family, 3 of 4 brothers had a bypass surgery before age 52, and their father died of a heart attack at 55.  Thank goodness for medical interventions.  My dad is now living well at 57, celebrating 10 years since his bypass this July!

[Sweetwaterguy]

  It is well known that diet and exercise are only part of the cholesterol equation.  Family genetics is another part--one you cannot control but you can manage.  And apparently you are doing just that.  You must have a pretty heads up doctor to help you aggressively prevent heart disease--especially at your age.
  Your concern for your children is equally wise.  There is no guarantee they will inherit your cholesterol genes, but prevention at any age makes sense.  Teach them to enjoy healthy foods, and raise them to be physically active.  
  Somehow, after reading your post, I would bet you are doing exactly the right things for yourself and your family.