FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

This is the most common inherited type of hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels in blood). It is recognizable in childhood. Familial hypercholesterolemia is due to genetic defects in the receptor (target) for LDL (low density lipoprotein). Familial hypercholesterolemia predisposes to premature arteriosclerosis including coronary artery disease with heart attacks at an unusually young age.