Abstract

Familial hypertriglyceridemia is an autosomal dominant condition occurring in approximately 1% of the population. Triglyceride levels, but not cholesterol, are elevated as a result of excess hepatic production of VLDL or heterozygous LPL deficiency. The condition is associated with premature coronary disease, though treatment sometimes differs from hypercholesterolemia. Affected individuals are at risk for chylomicronemia syndrome, characterized by elevated chylomicrons in the blood. They are also at risk of pancreatitis, especially when triglyceride levels exceed 1000mg/dL.