Can young people have high cholesterol?

Yes, young people can have high cholesterol, and it may be due to genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, as demonstrated by a woman diagnosed at 31 despite a healthy lifestyle.

What is familial hypercholesterolemia?

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetically inherited condition that causes significantly high cholesterol levels, often requiring medication and lifestyle management.

When should cholesterol levels be checked?

Cholesterol levels should be checked starting from age 18, with subsequent checks recommended every five years for normal results or more frequently if levels are abnormal.

Home / Health / High Cholesterol in 20s? Genetics Could Be the Culprit

High Cholesterol in 20s? Genetics Could Be the Culprit

11 Feb

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Summary

Young woman had high cholesterol despite healthy lifestyle choices.
Genetic condition familial hypercholesterolemia diagnosed at age 31.
Cholesterol levels should be checked starting from age 18.

High Cholesterol in 20s? Genetics Could Be the Culprit

A woman in her 20s, despite maintaining a healthy weight, exercising rigorously, and eating nutritious meals, received alarming blood test results indicating high cholesterol. Even standard cholesterol-lowering medications did not significantly improve her numbers.

At age 31, after extensive testing, she was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetically determined high cholesterol condition. This diagnosis provided relief, as it explained why her lifestyle choices were insufficient to manage her condition.

Cardiologists emphasize that cholesterol is a critical health factor, and understanding one's levels is vital for assessing cardiovascular risk. They recommend cholesterol checks begin at age 18, with follow-ups every five years for normal results or more frequently if abnormal.