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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Rahul Anand, MD
Cardiology
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Najdat Bazarbashi, MD
Cardiology
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Jeffrey Jay Brown, MD
Cardiology
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Jee Young Choi, AGACNP, MSN
Cardiology
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Janeen E. Constantine, ACNP-BC, CRNP, MSN
Cardiology
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Margaret Harvey Granitto, CRNP
Cardiology
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Janet Grinc, ANP-BC, NP
Cardiology
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Karim Hemady, MSPAS, PA-C
Cardiology
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Stephanie Schwalm Jacobs, MD
Cardiology
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Seyed Ebrahim Kassaian, MD
Cardio-Oncology & Cardiology
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Ricardo Andres Nieves, MD
Cardiology
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Sheida Zarabi Reimel, ACNP, MSN
Cardiology
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Reginald LaMar Robinson, MD
Cardiology
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Jeffrey M. Swartzendruber, PA, PA-C
Cardiology
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Jeffrey Bruce Trabb, MD
Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Imaging & Cardiology
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Jared Michael Widell, MD
Cardiac Imaging & Cardiology
Show All 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.