Increased cholesterol levels can be influenced not only by diet and lifestyle but also by genetic factors. One such inherited condition is familial hypercholesterolemia, which can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels from a young age.
If there is a family history of very high cholesterol or early-onset cardiovascular disease, it is worth discussing this with a doctor. Inherited high cholesterol cannot be reliably diagnosed based on how you feel alone.
What is familial hypercholesterolemia?
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition associated with high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Due to genetic factors, the body does not regulate LDL cholesterol as effectively, which can result in elevated levels even at a young age.
This is not the same as having high cholesterol solely due to diet or lifestyle.
A diagnosis is made by healthcare professionals after evaluating blood test results, personal and family health history, and other tests as necessary.
When should you consult a doctor?
You should pay closer attention to cholesterol testing if:
- you have been diagnosed with significantly elevated LDL cholesterol;
- high cholesterol was detected at a young age;
- close family members have been diagnosed with very high cholesterol;
- there is a family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease;
- your doctor suspects an inherited cholesterol metabolism disorder.
Family history alone does not confirm familial hypercholesterolemia. An individual’s situation and test results should be assessed by a physician.
Is lifestyle important if cholesterol is inherited?
Healthy lifestyle habits remain important even for people with inherited high cholesterol. However, in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia, changes in diet and physical activity alone may not be sufficient.
Taking into account your LDL cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular disease risk, your doctor may recommend medication. Prescribed treatment should not be changed or discontinued on your own.
What should you pay attention to in your daily diet?
In your daily diet, it is worth choosing a variety of plant-based foods and paying attention to the overall composition of your meals.
You can opt more frequently for:
- vegetables, fruits, and berries;
- whole grain products;
- beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes;
- nuts and seeds;
- various fiber-rich foods.
It is also important to monitor your intake of saturated fats and follow the recommendations provided by your doctor or dietitian.
What is the role of fiber in your diet?
Dietary fiber is a component of plant-based foods. It is found in vegetables, fruits, berries, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
It is important not to generalize the effects of all fiber. Different types of fiber have different properties, and specific health claims regarding cholesterol depend on the specific type of fiber, its quantity, and the established conditions for consumption.
Read more about the types, sources, and consumption of fiber in our Fiber Guide.
How can "fruttberry +fiber" supplement your diet with fiber?
"fruttberry +fiber" is a plant-based fiber blend with strawberries and blackcurrants. It contains psyllium (Plantago ovata) seed husks, agave inulin, glucomannan, freeze-dried strawberries, and blackcurrants.
100 g of the product contains 77 g of fiber, and one 5 g serving contains 3.86 g of fiber and 11 kcal.
In an independent study by the KTU Food Institute, our mixture sample was found to contain 84.4 g of fiber per 100 g. These results apply only to the specific sample tested and do not prove the product's effect on blood cholesterol levels.
"fruttberry +fiber" is intended to supplement the daily diet with fiber. The product is not intended to treat familial hypercholesterolemia or other cholesterol-related conditions and should not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.
View "fruttberry +fiber" fiber blends.
What is most important to remember?
Inherited high cholesterol is not just a dietary issue. If familial hypercholesterolemia is suspected, the most important steps are to perform the necessary blood tests, discuss your family health history with a doctor, and follow individualized treatment and lifestyle recommendations.
A balanced diet, physical activity, and other healthy habits are an important part of overall cardiovascular health care, but they do not replace medical examination or prescribed treatment.
