How does heredity affect my risk for high cholesterol?
You're at increased risk if you have a close blood relative - such as a mother, father, sister, brother, or child - who has been diagnosed with high cholesterol or coronary heart disease. Why? Because heart disease tends to run in families. You may also be at risk for a form of inherited high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia.
To reduce your risk, take these actions.
- See your doctor for a cholesterol test and a complete assessment of your heart health, including a thorough review of your family history.
- Work on reducing any of your risk factors that you can control. For instance, eat a healthy diet, exercise, lose weight if you are overweight, and quit smoking.
Learn more information about cholesterol and heart health by visiting the following links:
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- Could eating too much salt cause high blood pressure?