Hi and sorry for your loss.

It's important to remember that cholesterol is only one of the risk factors associated wit heart disease. Heart disease is more prevalent as one gets older and 45 is obviously way too young.

There is a genetic condition called familiar hypercholesterlaemia where a defective combination of genes results in very high levels of cholesterol in the blood and it has been noticed that people with this condition have a greater risk of heart disease at a younger age. As it is genetic, it usually exists in families where there is a history of heart disease at a young age.

If your husband didn't have total cholesterol levels around 9 (or higher) - it's unlikely he had this condition (average in the UK is around 6.5). If you are still worried - a simple cholesterol test on your children will determine their cholesterol level and your GP can then advise whether further genetic testing may be advisable.

Again, there are many possible risk factors that contribute to heart disease, from stress to smoking so it's wise to investigate cholesterol but not to focus too much on it as the sole cause of future heart problems in your children.

Dear Cornishjo,

You must still be in shock after the death of your husband. I do agree with Architect not to focus too much on the cholesterol levels. FH results in extremely high levels and this could be picked up just by checking the boys, I did this with my daughters and there was no hassle to get it done.

You mention that it took 4 months to get a death certificate, was there also a coroner's report? We asked for a copy when my father in law died unexpectedly after an operation (although they patronisingly said we wouldn't understand it, my husband told them I was an ex nurse and would! ). Point being, a health professional may be able to talk it through with you and maybe put your mind at rest a bit more.

Hi CornishJo

I am so sorry for your loss and I can understand your shock and fears but if your husband’s heart condition is heritable then the risks to your children are probably in the longer term. You don’t say how old your children are but in the short term they will also be shocked and upset by their father’s death and by your distress and they may need help to put this into context. Do you have supportive relatives and friends who will listen to how you and the children feel and help you come to terms with this? Your children should be tested for cholesterol and they may need to concentrate on healthy diet and exercise but they shouldn’t be made to feel that they are about to die too. If you feel that the people around you cannot help then there may be bereavement counselling services available, even organisations such as Relate, who will listen and help you make sense of this and feel calmer about facing the future.

I was a single parent (through divorce) suffering from depression so I can understand the feelings of being terrified and that all the thoughts are spinning round your mind. It was challenging and scary time for me but having the right people to talk to helped.

Love and Best Wishes

Tricia

Cornishjo. do make sure you get your boys tested fo cholestrol and blood pressure. At least its a start to doing your best for them. Love xxx

So sorry for you and your boys. My brother died 3 weeks ago at 67. We all thought he was fit as he cycled every day and ate healthily. Our father died suddenly at 46 so I suppose it is a family thing. We have the funeral this week and afterwards my son 42 and daughter 45 are going to see if they can be tested for heart problems. I think I will see my GP (I'm 71) as well. Also my nephew and niece 31 and 34 ought to be checked.

It seems our GPs might think we are worrying unduly but if he won't get us tested we will pay for it as I think it is essential. These days blocked arteries and high cholesterol can be treated and it must be worthwhile.

I wish you luck and am thinking of you and your boys - your husband died far too young. God Bless you all.

Please stay in touch with us, Cornishjo, and let us know how things progress. My very best wishes to you and your boys.

Gobsmacked, most GPs are delighted to do cholesterol testing (they do get paid for it as well, I think it's called reaching targets! ). However, there does seem to be this confusion when it comes to inherited forms of high cholesterol and there are other types other than FH. Best wishes to you and your family this week.