FAQ

    1. How common is sitosterolemia?

The disease is reported to be shown in at least 1 in every 50,000 people in the United States

    2. What levels of cholesterol are considered high? What levels should you be aiming for?

Total cholesterol levels of 200 or over are considered high, with safe levels of LDL being under 100 and HDL being 60 or higher. At risk people are those with LDL levels of between 100 and 159, and HDL between 40-59. You are dangerously at risk for heart problems if your LDL is 160 or higher and your HDL is under 50 for men and under 40 for women.

    3. How much fat, cholesterol and saturated fat should someone be consuming each day?

Saturated fat should make up no more than 10% of your daily calorie intake. For cholesterol, if you are at risk for heart disease, do not exceed 200 milligrams a day, but otherwise no more than 300 milligrams. 

    4. What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?

LDL, scientifically known as low-density lipoprotein, is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol and when builds up is what increases the body’s risk of heart disease HDl, or high-density lipoprotein, is called ‘good’ cholesterol, and absorbs cholesterol and delivers it to your liver to excrete. High levels of HDL actually lowers the body’s risk of heart disease. 

    5. What does Zetia do?

Zetia, or Ezetimibe, is the most common form of treatment for Sitosterolemia, but can also be used to fight high level of cholesterol in general, and it reduces the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs, allowing a more normal, healthy, life of eating for the person taking it. 

    6. What kinds of doctors should I consult about Sitosterolemia?

IF you have been recently diagnosed with Sitosterolemia, consult your primary care physician, a lipidemiologist, and a nutritionist!

    7. How early should my child get their cholesterol tested?

In New York City, Children are first tested at their primary care physician’s office when they are 11, but if your family has a history of high cholesterol, make sure to check as soon as possible (following medical advice from a professional)

    8. What are the dangers of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means fatty deposits building up in your arteries, making the blood flow to your heart increasingly difficult. This can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

    9. Can I have sitosterolemia even if my family has no history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes?

Unfortunately, yes. Most people with Sitosterolemia, in fact, are people who have no history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, which is why Sitosterolemia is incredibly difficult to diagnose. If one child has it, it would be wise to get the other children in your family checked as well.