Familial Lipid Disorders
Lipid disorders that are inherited are called familial or genetic lipid disorders. These disorders are problems that affect the way cholesterol is produced, used, carried in the blood, or disposed of by the body. People who have lipid disorders may have very high LDL cholesterol levels and/or high triglyceride levels.
People who have lipid disorders are usually at risk for coronary artery disease, often at an early age.
If a person is known to have a lipid disorder, treatment can be started early to lower the person's cholesterol. Family members may have a test to check for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Examples of inherited lipid disorders include familial combined hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.
What are the types of familial lipid disorders?
There are different types of familial lipid disorders. They include:
- Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL).
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- High total cholesterol
- High LDL cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- High apolipoprotein B
- Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100.
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- High LDL cholesterol
- Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia).
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- High total cholesterol and high triglyceride levels
- Familial hypercholesterolemia.
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- High LDL cholesterol
What are familial lipid disorders?
A familial lipid disorder is a condition that runs in families. It causes very high levels of cholesterol. This condition can cause a person to get coronary artery disease while still young.
Familial lipid disorders are not common. Your doctor may look at cholesterol levels and family history to check if you or your child might have a disorder. For example, your doctor may check for:
- Very high cholesterol levels. For example, LDL cholesterol might be 160 mg/dL or more for a child or 190 mg/dL or more for an adult.
- A family history of high cholesterol.
- A family history of early coronary artery disease.
- Certain results from a physical exam. These results include xanthomas, a skin condition in which small bumps of fat appear under the skin.
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