Whether high cholesterol runs in the family or not, it really helps to control diet and exercise to reduce the risk for getting heart disease. Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing may help. Besides control your diet by limiting intake of fats, processed foods, if non-vegetarian choose lean meat, eggwhite, skinless chicken and fish over fatty meats, organ meats and minced meats, pork, beef etc. Avoid fried and oily foods. Increase intake of fruits, vegetables as salads and whole grains to lower cholesterol. Try to remain as active as you can even if exercise is not possible. Avoid or drink alcohol in moderation. Hope this will help.