Familial Lipid Disorders

Skip Navigation

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 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.

Types of familial lipid disorders

There are different types of familial lipid disorders. They include:

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL).
  • High total cholesterol
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • High triglycerides
  • High apolipoprotein B
Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100.
  • High LDL cholesterol
Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia).
  • High total cholesterol and high triglyceride levels
Familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • High LDL cholesterol

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.