An inherited disorder that increases a person’s risk for high cholesterol
People with familial cholesterolemia have a genetic mutation that changes how the body processes cholesterol. This can increase your risk of atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries, and heart disease at a young age.
The gene mutation is passed on from parent to child. If one parent has familial hypercholesterolemia, each child has a 50 percent risk of having the disorder. If both parents have the genetic mutation, their child may have a more severe form of the disorder.
Tests
Diagnosing a potential heart or vascular condition is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Treatments
While lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, are the first line of defense, most people with familial hypercholesterolemia also will need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication.
Our providers
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Cardiology
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George Dewey Bittar, MD
Cardiology
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Nancy Fowler Clark, CRNP
Cardiology
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Ruchi Pratik Desai, PA-C
Cardiology
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Zelda J Diamond, CRNP,FNP,BC
Cardiology
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Daniel James Dooley, MD
Cardiology
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Mark R. Hofmeyer, MD, MS
Cardiology & Heart Failure And Transplantation Cardiology
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Kriti Kalra, MD
Cardiology
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Jordan Ashley Kane, PA-C
Cardiology
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Hassan E. Kassamali, MD
Cardiology
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Bao Tran Ngoc Luu, PA-C
Cardiology
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Amy Lyn Marino, MD
Cardiology
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Danielle Neesam, PA
Cardiology
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Ainsley Anthony O'Garro, PA-C
Cardiology
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Sara E. Wanner, CRNP,ACNP,BC
Cardiology
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Donna S. Westervelt, CRNP
Cardiology
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Nichole Lasha Williams, FNP-C
Cardiology
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