Navigating Genetic High Cholesterol Through Life’s Hard Seasons

Living with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is like carrying an invisible weight. You can’t see it, but it’s always there, reminding you that every choice matters when it comes to your heart health. Diagnosed with FH at 18, I’ve had years to learn what works for me—-diet, exercise, medications. But if I’m being honest, life doesn’t always make it easy to stick to the perfect routine. There are seasons when things get tough, and during those times, I’ve realized that it’s okay to just do the best I can.

The pressure to be perfect

When I was first diagnosed with FH, I was all-in on making sure I did everything “right.” I immediately changed my diet, cutting out foods high in saturated fats, and started exercising regularly. After all, this is my heart we’re talking about, and I wanted to do everything in my power to keep it healthy. But life doesn’t always cooperate with our best intentions.

There have been times in my life when I felt like I was failing at managing my FH—-times when work got too busy, wedding-planning stress piled up, a global pandemic changed life as we knew it, other health issues emerged, or I was just plain emotionally drained. In those moments, the thought of cooking a heart-healthy meal or getting to the gym seemed impossible. It was easier to grab takeout, eat something comforting, and give myself a break.

I used to beat myself up over it, thinking that I was making things worse for myself in the long run. But I’ve come to understand that managing FH isn’t about being perfect—-it’s about doing the best you can, especially during hard seasons.

Struggling to stay on track

There are seasons in life when it feels like everything is happening at once. For me, those times have come when I was juggling stressful work projects, dealing with personal loss, or going through emotional burnout. During those times, the last thing I wanted to think about was whether or not my next meal was cholesterol-friendly. And you know what? That’s okay.

I’ve had, and still have, days when I ate food that wouldn’t exactly be labeled “heart-healthy.” Whether it was because I didn’t have the time or energy to cook, or because I just wanted something comforting, I’ve fallen off the wagon more than once. I’ve skipped workouts, ordered Uber Eats, and indulged in sweets that I normally try to avoid. But at the end of the day, I remind myself that FH is a slow-progressing condition. Missing a workout or eating takeout won’t undo all the work I’ve put in.

Giving myself grace

The key to managing FH over the long term is consistency, not perfection. Life happens, and sometimes that means things don’t go according to plan. I’ve learned to give myself grace during those seasons. Instead of beating myself up for slipping up, I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day to get back on track.

In those tough times, I try to focus on what I can do, not what I can’t. Maybe I didn’t get my workout in, but I made time for a short walk. Maybe I grabbed takeout, but I chose a salad or grilled option instead of something fried. I’ve realized that small efforts add up over time, and that’s what truly matters.

Progress, not perfection

While diet and exercise are crucial to managing FH, it’s important to remember that life isn’t always going to be smooth sailing. There will be days when you don’t make the healthiest choices, and that’s okay. What matters is finding balance and making an effort to get back to your routine when life calms down.

I’ve found that FH management is more about progress than perfection. It’s about building healthy habits that you can return to when things settle down. Whether it’s cooking a nutritious meal or going for a jog, I know I’m making long-term changes that will benefit my heart health in the years to come. But I’m also kind to myself when life throws me a curveball and I can’t be perfect.

It’s okay to fall off the wagon—-just keep going

Living with FH means knowing that you’re in it for the long haul. This is a condition we manage for life, not just in the short term. It’s okay to fall off the wagon during hard seasons; what matters is that you get back on. Every small step toward managing FH, whether it’s making a heart-healthy choice or finding time to move your body, adds up over time. The key is not to let one slip-up become a reason to give up entirely.

At the end of the day, life is full of ups and downs, and managing FH is just another part of the journey. Do the best you can, forgive yourself when you slip up, and keep moving forward. Your heart—and your future self—will thank you for it.