Hi rockmum. I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you what I think speaking from some experience, and common sense. Hereditary illnesses, just mean that you may have a sensitivity in something, passed on to you from your parents or grandparents and so on. It doesn't mean that you will develop the same illness or disease. It just means that you should be careful. Cholesterol can be prevented and cured, by eating healthy, and living a healthy lifestyle. The whole family needs to change their eating habbits. Start cooking healthy meals. Lots of vegetables, vegetable juices, less animal fats, lots of essentila fatty acids like flax seeds, salmon, etc. No fried food, no eggs, maybe just egg whites. Don't keep any junkfood in the house, just healthy snacks. And don't forget to get a little bit of exercise. Even just taking a walk for a few minutes every day. See a natural practioner too. Maybe a homeopath. They 're great, and they can help you change your lifestyle for the better. This will be good for the whole family. Starting to eat healthy at a young age is the best you can do for your self. See this as a chance to live better, and get all excited about it. Don't feel bad about things you're giving up, feel great about becoming healthier, and happier. Do this, and pray, and be positive, and maybe he can throw out his cholesterol medication for good. What happened to your father in law doesn't have to happen to your hubby. Break the chain! Best of luck to you. xoxoxo