But, the genetic effect may be related to fat in the blood which leads to hardening of the arteries. Fat in the blood is necessary for life, all of our cells have walls made up of partially of fat, but too much can be deadly. It leads to the plugging up of arteries and contributes to development of diabetes which also tends to gunk up arteries. Eating cholesterol does not lead to high cholesterol. Your liver makes the cholesterol and other fats that end up in your blood.
Saturated fats are prominent in lard and red meats.
Read the food labels. Monosaturated oils are canola oil and olive oil. Start eating more fish. Be sure it is from a reliable source. The good omega-3 fats in fish are also efficient storage media for many environmental contaminants.