Question: Can high cholesterol run in the family? Also, does my height and weight factor into my cholesterol levels? Last time I had my cholesterol done it was 225. I am 61, weigh 120 pounds and am 5-foot-4. Is this considered high?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Yes, high cholesterol is a familial disorder. Your height and weight do not factor into your cholesterol levels, but they do factor into your cardiac, stroke, and vascular risks.
A total cholesterol of 225 needs to be interpreted in terms of the ratio of your HDL (good) to LDL (bad) cholesterol levels to determine its contribution to your vascular risk . It is very important to consider not just one risk factor, but all the risk factors for vascular disease to answer your question properly.
More information is needed to answer your question properly. See your doctor for a proper risk assessment.
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