Familial combined hyperlipidemia

Alternative names:

multiple lipoprotein-type hyperlipidemia

Definition:

An inherited disorder of high serum cholesterol and/or high blood triglycerides associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and characterized by multiple types of elevated lipoproteins within one family.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disease is a defective gene. Elevations in the cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels appear during the teenage years and continue throughout life. Types of elevated lipoproteins may vary between affected family members. Cholesterol deposits in the skin, called xanthomas, that are seen in other disorders of elevated lipoproteins are not seen in this disorder. This disorder predisposes the person to increased risk of early coronary artery disease. The incidence of obesity and glucose intolerance is increased. The condition is worsened by diabetes, alcoholism, and hypothyroidism. Risk factors are a family history of high cholesterol and early coronary artery disease. The incidence is 2 out of 1000 people.