For some people, no amount of healthy eating or exercise seems to budge their high cholesterol numbers. This can be incredibly frustrating, but it often points to a powerful underlying factor: genetics. Think of it as having a broken internal “thermostat” for cholesterol, one that is genetically programmed to keep levels too high.
Your body has a complex system for regulating cholesterol, involving both production in the liver and removal from the blood. Genetic variations can disrupt this system in several ways. Some genes may cause your liver to produce an excessive amount of cholesterol, regardless of your dietary intake.
Other genetic mutations can affect the LDL receptors on the surface of your liver cells. These receptors are like docking stations that grab LDL cholesterol from the blood and pull it out of circulation. If you have faulty or insufficient receptors due to your genes, your body simply cannot clear LDL effectively, causing it to build up to dangerous levels in your bloodstream.
This genetic influence is why high cholesterol often runs in families. If your parents or siblings have it, your own risk is significantly increased. It also explains why screening is so important—it’s the only way to find out if your internal thermostat is set correctly.
If you have a strong genetic predisposition, it’s crucial to understand that lifestyle changes, while still very important, may not be enough to fix the problem. This is where medical treatment becomes essential. Medications can help override the faulty genetic programming by either reducing cholesterol production or by helping your body clear it more effectively. Acknowledging the role of genetics is the first step toward getting the right treatment.
When Your Body’s Cholesterol ‘Thermostat’ Is Broken: The Role of Genetics
