So you have been diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia. First, know that you’re not alone. This condition impacts approximately 1 in every 250-500 people, and the good news is that it’s highly treatable. It does, however, mean that you’re probably going to require some lifestyle adjustments and medication. However, as long as you’re proactive about taking care of yourself and keeping your cholesterol under control, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the same quality of life to which you have always been accustomed. Consider some general but lifesaving tips regarding familial hypercholesterolemia treatment.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treatment – What You Can Do
We’ll be forward about this – you’re going to have to make some sacrifices in order to maintain your good health. For instance, do you love your cigarette breaks? Well, they should be the first thing to go. You’ll also need to say goodbye to the excess saturated fats and trans fats, so next time you’re in the mood for fried chips, opt for potatoes baked in olive oil. The most heart-healthy choices are those that include lots of soluble fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, pectin and vitamins. You’ll want to acquaint yourself with plenty of whole grains, fruits, fatty fish, soy and green vegetables. Finally, you may want to invest in a gym membership, as it’s crucial to get at least 30 minutes a day of exercise.
The Importance of Medication
Unfortunately, familial hypercholesterolemia treatment cannot be managed with diet and exercise alone. Don’t get us wrong, a healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference, but it’s not enough. If you have FH, your liver is unable to properly recycle the cholesterol that it produces, and this contributes to a dangerously high accumulation. Almost all FH sufferers require cholesterol-lowering medications, and some individuals may even require LDL-apheresis, a dialysis-like procedure which removes LDL-C cholesterol from the blood on an ongoing basis.
Getting the Help You Need
First and foremost, speak to your doctor about a game plan for managing your cholesterol. You can’t do it on your own, and it’s critical that you start managing your condition immediately. If you need advice or assistance with familial hypercholesterolemia treatment, feel free to contact us at info@thefhfoundation.org or 626-465-1234. We’ll be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.
Furthermore, if you have a family history of FH, be sure to get your children tested after the age of 2 and before the age of 10. FH is a hereditary condition, and your children are 50 percent likely to inherit it if you or your partner have it. So try to identify it as soon as possible, and hit the ground running if your kids should require treatment. Familial hypercholesterolemia doesn’t need to shorten your life, but it does need to be very carefully managed.
