Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your heart-related questions from UM Heart Center experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

 

Related Content

Maryland Heart Center

Virtual Tour

Patient Success Stories

Our Doctors

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Type III hyperlipoproteinemia; Deficient or defective apolipoprotein E

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The condition is caused by a gene defect that results in a build up of large lipoprotein particles that contain both cholesterol and triglycerides. The disease is linked to defects in the gene for apolipoprotein E in many cases.

The condition increases one's risk for coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease .

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

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com