Familial lipid disorders

Lipid disorders that are inherited are called familial or genetic lipid disorders. These disorders are problems that affect the way cholesterol is produced, used, carried in the blood, or disposed of by the body. People who have lipid disorders may have very high LDL cholesterol levels and/or high triglyceride levels.

People who have lipid disorders are usually at risk for coronary artery disease, often at an early age.

If a person is known to have a lipid disorder, treatment can be started early to lower the person's cholesterol. Family members may have a test to check for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Examples of inherited lipid disorders include familial combined hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.