Even if you eat ZERO cholesterol, your body produces cholesterol, and NEEDS cholesterol. The problem is some people’s bodies produce too much. THAT is the genetic factor.
IF you do NOT have it as a genetic problem, and only have it because you are consuming too much red meat, cheeses, and other high fat foods all the time, then you CAN fix it by diet changes.
BUT, if your body (i.e. genetics) produces too much, even without you eating a high fat diet, then diet change will NOT fix it and you have to take a statin medication (like Lipitor, etc.) to lower the LDL (bad cholesterol).
If your HDL (GOOD cholesterol) is too LOW, you can get, over the counter SLO-Niacin (a strong dose of a B vitamin that releases slowly into your system). One glass of red wine before bedtime is also a good thing. These are big helps to raise the good cholesterol level.
If you have to take a statin drug it is advisable to also take (over the counter) CoQ10 to protect your heart.