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Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

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.

• Review Date: 5/16/2007
• Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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