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Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease

Alternative Names    Return to top

Type III hyperlipoproteinemia; Deficient or defective apolipoprotein E

Definition    Return to top

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is a disorder passed down through families in which there are high amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Causes    Return to top

A genetic defect causes this condition. The defect results in the buildup of large lipoprotein particles that contain both cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat. The disease is linked to defects in the gene for apolipoprotein E in many cases.

Hypothyroidism, obesity, or diabetes can make the condition worse. Risk factors for familial dysbetalipoproteinemia include a family history of the disorder or coronary artery disease.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms may not be seen until age 20 or older.

Yellow deposits of fatty material in the skin called xanthomas may appear on the eyelids, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or on the tendons of the knees and elbows.

Atherosclerosis develops. There may be early chest pain (angina) or decreased blood flow to specific parts of the body, causing transient ischemic attacks of the brain or peripheral artery disease.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to control underlying conditions such as obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.

Reducing calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol may significantly reduce cholesterol levels.

If high cholesterol and triglyceride levels continue despite diet changes, your doctor may recommend medicine to lower your cholesterol. Medicine to lower cholesterol levels include:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

People with this condition have an increased risk for coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

With treatment, most people show a significant reduction in lipid levels.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with this disorder and:

Prevention    Return to top

Screening the family members of those with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia may lead to early detection and treatment.

Early treatment and avoiding other risk factors for vascular disease (such as smoking) are crucial to preventing early heart attacks, strokes, and blocked blood vessels.

Update Date: 1/23/2008

Updated by: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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