A Perth father, who discovered a devastating family history of heart disease only after his own diagnosis, is now urging all Australians to get their cholesterol checked, warning that fitness is no guarantee of good heart health.
A Family History of Heart Disease
Brian Murphy from Kensington first learned he had high cholesterol at the age of 17. Being fit and healthy, he dismissed the diagnosis and did not pursue further action for more than two decades.
It wasn't until he was 40 that a doctor connected the dots, revealing that four of his family members had died from heart disease. This shocking discovery was the catalyst for a proper investigation into his own health.
"It sounds silly now, not being able to put the picture together, but at the time I wasn’t thinking about family history," Mr Murphy admitted. "My thinking prior was that if you’re fit and healthy then it shouldn’t affect you, but it isn’t always the main thing impacting high cholesterol."
The Silent Genetic Danger: Familial Hypercholesterolemia
A cardiologist later identified multiple red flags pointing to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This inherited genetic condition causes exceptionally high cholesterol levels from birth and can dramatically increase a person's risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, even at a young age.
High cholesterol leads to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood supply to the heart and brain. Often, it presents no symptoms, making it a silent but deadly threat.
Mr Murphy now deeply regrets not taking his initial diagnosis seriously. "I luckily qualified for a trial drug and so that’s an injection every six months — I’ve had three of those and the results have been outstanding," he shared. "If it gets identified early, then you can make the changes that are necessary."
An Urgent Call for Widespread Testing
Backing Mr Murphy's personal plea is Fiona Stanley Hospital endocrinologist Krish Chikkaveerappa. He is urging everyone over the age of 40 to have their cholesterol tested every one to two years.
"High cholesterol usually doesn’t cause any symptoms," Dr Chikkaveerappa warned. "You may have very high cholesterol, but you may not have any symptoms, so this Cholesterol Awareness Week is all about making Australians aware they need to get their cholesterol checked."
He emphasised that empowering people to understand their risks allows them to manage their cholesterol through behavioural changes and a healthier lifestyle.
To support this mission during Cholesterol Awareness Week from November 24-30, charities including Hearts4Heart, Heartbeat of Sport, and FH Australia will be holding free screenings and educational stalls at several hospitals:
- Fiona Stanley Hospital
- Fremantle Hospital
- Rockingham Hospital
- Peel Hospital
Brian Murphy's message is simple and urgent: don't wait for a family tragedy to take your cholesterol levels seriously. Getting tested could be a life-saving decision.
