Familial combined hyperlipidemia is a disorder of high cholesterol and high blood triglycerides that is passed down through families.
Alternative Names:
Multiple lipoprotein-type hyperlipidemia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Familial combined hyperlipidemia is the most common disorder of increased blood fats that causes early heart attacks. It is genetic, which means it is caused by a problem with your genes. However, researcher have yet not identified the specific genes responsible.
Diabetes, alcoholism, and hypothyroidism make the condition worse. Risk factors include a family history of high cholesterol and early coronary artery disease.
Symptoms:
Persons with this condition develop high cholesterol or triglyceride levels during the teenage years. The levels remain high throughout life. They have an increased risk of early coronary artery disease and therefore, heart attacks. Persons with familial combined hyperlipidemia have a higher rate of obesity and glucose intolerance.
Chest pain (angina) may occur. However, there may not be any physical symptoms.
Signs and tests:
Blood tests will be done to check your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Specific tests include:
Genetic testing is available for one type of familial combined hyperlipidemia.
Review Date: 1/23/2008
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Medical Genetics, Preventive Cardiology
