What is Hypercholesterolemia?

High cholesterol is a significant problem in America, especially as it has a high correlation with cardiovascular disease. Although poor diet accounts for some people's high cholesterol problem, there are other reasons why you may have higher numbers, including familial hypercholesterolemia. You may be wondering, what is hypercholesterolemia? Many people do not know about this genetic disorder, even though it is highly under-diagnosed and an estimated 1 in 500 people have it. The treatment plan for hypercholesterolemia differs from that for other people with high cholesterol, so it is important that you check for it if you fall into the high-risk group. Click here to learn more.

Cholesterol is a necessary fat that plays essential roles in the body's functions. When cholesterol moves through the blood from cell to cell, they must be attached to special lipoproteins. You may have heard of two of these: LDL and HDL. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins and their function is to carry cholesterol to the cells. LDL is known as the bad form of cholesterol because it has a tendency to stick in arteries, especially around the heart, and become oxidized, which is associated with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems. HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins, and they carry cholesterol to the liver to be excreted from the blood. The body typically makes sufficient cholesterol for the necessary functions, and certain foods add more to the diet, which could lead to an increase of both types of cholesterol, including the bad LDL.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a disorder in which a person's genetics causes a more aggressive and premature cardiovascular disease due to high cholesterol. The liver does not have the capacity to remove the excess LDL, raising the levels in the blood even in those who eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. 

Around 1.3 million Americans have FH, and many are not aware of the fact. It is a treatable disorder, but if it is left untreated, men have a 50 percent increase in their heart attack risks by the age of 50, and women have a 30 percent risk by the age of 60. Certain risk factors increase your chances of having the disorder. If you have a family history of heart disease and death due to cardiac events at a younger age then the general population, then there is a good chance that you may have it. Families with a history of high cholesterol also could have FH. Another indicator that you may have it is if you have high cholesterol and changes in you diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors made no changes in your LDL cholesterol numbers. It is important that you discuss the chance with your doctor and get tested. If someone in your family has it, then everyone, including children, should be tested. 

It is important that the question of what is hypercholesterolemia is answered so that more people are aware of the disorder and get screened and treated if necessary. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes and possibly medication, especially as FH does not always respond to diet changes. Your doctor will have more information on the condition and your potential treatment plan if your tests for hypercholesterolemia are found positive.