High cholesterol is a common concern, but when it appears early in life or runs in families, it could be more than just a lifestyle issue. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels from birth, increasing the risk of early heart disease.

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center in Limassol, we are raising awareness about FH — because early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.

What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)?

Familial Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited genetic disorder that affects how your body processes cholesterol. If one parent has FH, there’s a 50% chance their child will also have it. Unlike typical high cholesterol, FH is not caused by diet or lifestyle alone — it’s passed down through families.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of FH

FH often goes unnoticed until it causes serious problems, but there are key signs to look for:

• Very high LDL cholesterol levels (often above 190 mg/dL or 5 mmol/L).
• Family history of early heart disease (heart attacks before 55 in men or 60 in women).
• Xanthomas – yellowish bumps on tendons or skin caused by cholesterol buildup.
• Corneal arcus – a greyish-white ring around the cornea before age 45.

If you notice these signs or have a family history of heart disease, it’s important to get screened.

Why Early Detection Matters

People with FH have a 10–20 times higher risk of heart attack at a young age. But with early diagnosis and treatment, that risk can be dramatically reduced. Regular cholesterol checks and family screening can help identify FH before it causes harm.

Treatment Options for FH

Managing FH is about keeping cholesterol levels under control. Treatment may include:

• Healthy diet and regular physical activity.
• Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and ezetimibe.
• Advanced treatments, like PCSK9 inhibitors, for patients who need additional support.
• Regular follow-ups with your cardiologist to monitor progress and adjust treatment.

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we provide personalized treatment plans to help FH patients live long, healthy, and active lives.

Family Screening: Protecting Generations

Since FH runs in families, once it’s diagnosed in one person, relatives should also be tested. This process — called cascade screening — helps detect FH early across generations, ensuring everyone gets the care they need.

Takeaway

Familial Hypercholesterolemia is serious, but manageable. The key is awareness, testing, and ongoing care.

If you or a family member has high cholesterol or a history of early heart disease, don’t wait.
👉 Schedule an FH screening at Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, Limassol today.

Early diagnosis + proper treatment = a healthy, active life with FH.