Familial Lipid Disorders

Overview

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 at an early age.

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 measured in the blood.
• A family history of high cholesterol.
• A family history of early coronary artery disease.
• Other symptoms that may be found during a physical exam. Such symptoms include xanthomas, in which small bumps of fat appear under the skin, around the eyes, or near joints.

Types of familial lipid disorders

There are different types of inherited familial lipid disorders. These disorders increase your risk of getting coronary artery disease at a young age. They include:

• Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). This means you have high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B.
• Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100. This means you have a high level of LDL cholesterol.
• Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia). This means you have high levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia. This means you have a high level of LDL cholesterol.