Familial hypertriglyceridemia

Definition:

A common inherited disorder in which the concentration of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is elevated in the plasma.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disorder is a gene mutation. However, the mechanism that produces the elevated triglyceride levels is not known. The condition does not usually manifest itself until puberty or early adulthood. Obesity, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), and high levels of insulin are frequently associated with this condition. The condition usually shows mild to moderately elevated triglycerides in the blood. There is an increased incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity in people with this condition. Risk factors are a family history of hypertriglyceridemia or a family history of heart disease before the age of 50.