What is familial hypercholesterolemia and how does it cause heart attacks?

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder where the liver cannot remove LDL cholesterol effectively, leading to high cholesterol levels and artery plaque buildup, increasing heart attack risk.

At what age should I get tested for high cholesterol if I have a family history?

It is recommended to get a lipid profile test done from age 21 if you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease.

Can a fit and healthy person have a heart attack due to genetics?

Yes, a genetic predisposition like familial hypercholesterolemia can cause severe artery blockages and lead to heart attacks even in individuals who appear healthy and exercise regularly.

Home / Health / Genetic Heart Risk: Test Cholesterol in Your 20s

Genetic Heart Risk: Test Cholesterol in Your 20s

20 Jan

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Summary

Family history of high LDL cholesterol can lead to early heart attacks.
A 38-year-old man with no typical risk factors had severe artery blockages.
Lipid profile tests are recommended from age 21 to track genetic patterns.

Genetic Heart Risk: Test Cholesterol in Your 20s

A family history of high LDL cholesterol can be a silent precursor to early heart attacks. A 38-year-old marketing professional, who appeared healthy and maintained a fit lifestyle, presented with severe angina due to 100% and 90% blockages in his main heart arteries. This condition, known as familial hypercholesterolemia, results from a genetic disorder affecting the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol.

This inherited condition causes excess LDL to accumulate in the arteries, forming unstable plaques that heighten the risk of heart attacks at a young age. While the patient had no diabetes or other common risk factors, his genetic predisposition was the primary underlying issue. Intense physical activity, like aggressive weight lifting, can also trigger plaque rupture and acute events in individuals with undiagnosed artery narrowing.