is there any relationship between hereditary cholesterol that is high and esophagitis?  I have had a fasting cholesterol done and find there is little I can do to affect the "bad" cholesterol - all other factors (stress, smoking, diet, weight etc.) having been eliminated, I am left with becoming a vegetarian but without the promise that it will reduce my numbers by more than 10%.  I also have recently been diagnosed with esophagitis caused by excessive acid in my stomach (my understanding).  I am taking aciphex to reduce the acid which should help heal the ulcers.  My question - can these seemingly separate conditions be related?  I understand that bile acid production and cholesterol are somehow related.