Overview

Causes

FH is caused by a faulty gene that is passed from parents to children. It can come from one or both parents. FH can be severe if both parents have the gene.

The faulty gene makes it hard for the liver to remove LDL from the blood.

The Liver and Other Organs
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Risk Factors

The parent will not always pass the faulty gene to their child. However, if one parent has the gene defect, it raises the child's risk of FH. If both parents have the gene defect, the child's risk of FH is even higher.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

FH itself does not cause symptoms. However, high levels of LDL can lead to:

  • Thick and painful tendons
  • Xanthomas—fatty deposits under the skin
  • Xanthelasmas—fatty deposits on the eyelids
  • Eye problems—due to fatty deposits on the cornea

FH raises the risk of heart and blood vessel disease at a young age. This can lead to:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Angina
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Early death

Diagnosis

A physical exam and blood tests will be done. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will look for:

  • Fatty deposits in skin, tendons, or eyes
  • High cholesterol, especially in young person
  • Family history of high cholesterol
  • Genetic testing

Other tests may be done to rule out other conditions.

Treatments

Treatment

FH will need lifelong treatment. The goal of treatment is to:

  • Lower LDL levels
  • Lower the risk of problems such as heart disease or stroke

Treatment options include:

Lifestyle Changes

To help lower cholesterol levels, the doctor may advise:

  • A diet that is
    • Low in saturated fats and cholesterol
    • High in grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes
    • Low in alcohol
  • Regular physical activity
  • Not smoking
  • Reaching and keeping a healthy weight

Medicine

Diet and exercise alone may not be enough. Medicines may be given to lower LDL cholesterol. Options may be:

  • Statins
  • Alirocumab or evolocumab

Other Treatments

Severe forms of FH may need:

  • Apheresis—a machine that pulls LDL out of the blood
  • Liver transplant —for those not helped with medicine

Prevention

FH cannot be prevented.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.