Does anyone else on here have FH?

[Littlebubble]

Hi everyone,

I’m new on here and I’m just wondering if anyone else has Familial Hypercholesterolemia? My dad passed away at 36 from a massive heart attack when I was 5. I was tested and found to have inherited the condition and my cholesterol was 9.7 at 5 years old!

I’ve been on medication ever since and my cholesterol has come down. It is currently 4.7 which is a big improvement. My problem is that I suffer from dreadful anxiety and acrophobia and I use food as comfort and as a result I’m overweight. I weigh 14 stone 5lb at the moment and I loose weight only to pile it back on again!

Does anyone else struggle? I’m stuck in such a rut that could end up killing me in the end!

[Heythrop51]

Hi. Whilst I don't suffer from FH but when I joined here I was overweight with raised cholesterol, BP and pre-diabetic. On the advice of one of the HeartStars I followed a carb restricted Mediterranean diet. Together with the statin and ACE inhibitor prescribed by my GP I am now a healthy weight (top end) and all my numbers are good. I wholeheartedly recommend the Mediterranean diet.

[Canbe]

Hi. I struggle as well with weight control too l have also found out that my father had a stroke at 58 plus my mother and grandmother had heart issues so it has led me to think that l also may have FH issues ,and as l lose weight I gain it back again to 13 st , but always stay there ,why don’t you speak to your DR and get advice

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Littlebubble,

I'm sorry you have these worries you have with regard to your anxiety and weight management along with coming to terms with your diagnosis. It's very common for people to be in that vicious circle and the two often go hand in hand. Your GP my be able to refer you for some psychological support to help you manage this .

It is great that you have your cholesterol levels under control with the medication,but really understand your wish to eat more healthily and help you lose weight safely and effectively as a way of reducing your risk further.

You may wish to have a look at the cholesterol charity's Heart UK website or you may like to talk to one of the cardiac nurses on the BHF's Heart Helpline too. The number is 0300-330-3311 and there is someone to talk to every day-Monday- Friday 9 am-7 pm and weekends and bank holidays from 10-4.

There is plenty of advice and support out there for you if you need it.

I hope I've helped.

Take Care and stay safe.

Philippa