Heart

One of the main causes of coronary artery narrowing is uncontrolled cholesterol levels. Bad cholesterol (LDL) can stick to blood vessels, build up, cause blood vessels to burst, and finally a heart attack. Indeed, this bad cholesterol level is influenced by lifestyle. However, in fact there is also a possibility that high cholesterol was inherited from your parents, aka hereditary disease.

Some of those with cholesterol may know that high cholesterol levels can be caused by an unhealthy diet, eating lots of fried and fatty foods, and otherwise rarely eating fruits and vegetables.

Where does cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol in our bodies comes from two sources, which are produced naturally by the body and the food we eat. Because cholesterol does not dissolve in the bloodstream, our bodies carry it with proteins and other particles that can easily mix with the bloodstream.

One of the important particles carrying cholesterol is LDL. Cholesterol is needed for cell survival. When cholesterol is needed by cells, the LDL receptors on their surface pull LDL out of the bloodstream.

If these LDL receptors are not functioning properly, the LDL will last longer in the bloodstream. If this continues to happen, the amount of LDL will increase in the blood and eventually cause plaque.

Plaque from the LDL pile is what then makes the blood vessels narrow and blood flow is not smooth. Finally, cardiac dysfunction occurs.

High cholesterol can be triggered by inherited genetics

In fact, high levels of bad cholesterol can also occur from a young age. Well, in this case genetic or hereditary factors are usually touted as the trigger for high cholesterol levels. So it's no wonder that there are people who have had a stroke or heart attack even though they are still very young.

Usually, high cholesterol that is triggered by heredity occurs due to damage to genes that regulate LDL receptors. This gene damage could be the result of one or both parents having experienced the same thing. Therefore, high cholesterol may be caused by hereditary factors.

In the United States it is estimated that one in 500 people experience this disorder, but only about 10-20% are aware of it. If left untreated, 85% of men and 50% of women will have a heart attack or stroke and sudden death at less than 65 years of age.

Can high cholesterol due to heredity be prevented?

Of course you can prevent and control it. Have your cholesterol checked now and consult a doctor.

If the test results show high cholesterol levels, you can control it with a low-fat diet, eat more deep sea vegetables and fish, and exercise regularly to use anti-high cholesterol drugs.

Also remember to keep your blood pressure within optimal limits, and don't smoke. You must be disciplined in implementing a healthy lifestyle, especially if you have a hereditary history of heart disease or high cholesterol.