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.