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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Michelle Arey, PA-C
Cardiology
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Rachel Barish, MSN
Cardiology
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Jeffrey Yu-chen Chang, MSPAS, PA
Electrophysiology & Cardiology
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Sumbal Ashraf Janjua, MBBS, MD
Cardiology
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Seyed Ebrahim Kassaian, MD
Cardio-Oncology & Cardiology
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Basirmohmad F Kolia, MD
Cardiology
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Bryan LeBude, MD
Cardiology
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Salman Masood Malik, MD
Cardiology
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Danielle Neesam, MSPAS, PA
Cardiology
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Margaret Ramkissoon, CRNP
Cardiology
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Janet C Tsang, MD
Cardiology
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Hakim T. Uqdah, DO
Cardiology
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Sara E. Wanner, ACNP-BC, MSN
Cardiology
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Vivek Nag, MD
Cardiology
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Prashanth Sadashiva Rao, MD
Cardiology
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Sameer Sofat, MD
Cardiology
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Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.