Mixed hyperlipidemia: Causes, risk factors, treatment, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about mixed hyperlipidemiaMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022Familial combined hyperlipidemia, which people may also call mixed hyperlipidemia, is a genetic disorder that may pass from parents to children. A person with this disorder has higher-than-average levels of lipids in their body. Lipids include cholesterol and fats called triglycerides, which store energy. People with familial combined hyperlipidemia have a higher risk of developing plaque in their arteries. A plaque buildup can lead to cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. This article discusses mixed hyperlipidemia in more detail, including the causes, diagnosis, and treatment. What is familial combined hyperlipidemia Share on PinterestScience Photo Library – ZEPHYR/Yagi Studio/Getty ImagesHyperlipidemia is the term for a range of disorders that cause elevated lipid levels. Primary hyperlipidemia refers to the specific disorder that can pass from parents to children. Mixed hyperlipidemia is a type of primary hyperlipidemia. Lipids are substances that do not dissolve in water but are soluble in organic solvents. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two of the types of lipids that people most commonly discuss with regards to cardiovascular health. Elevated levels of these two lipids typically occur together and can contribute to the development of several cardiovascular health issues, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. An estimated 1 in 100 people have familial combined hyperlipidemia. Causes The exact cause of familial combined hyperlipidemia is unknown, as scientists have not yet identified the gene responsible. However, they suspect that the condition occurs due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. In other words, a person may need to have both the gene and an activating event or exposure to develop mixed hyperlipidemia. Risk factors Mixed hyperlipidemia is an inherited disorder. There is no guarantee that the condition will occur just because a person’s parents have the disorder. However, if one parent has mixed hyperlipidemia, a child has a 50% chance of developing the disorder themselves. When both parents have the disorder, a child can get what some refer to as a “double dose.” When this occurs, they have a higher risk of developing coronary issues earlier in life. Diagnosis Doctors may suspect mixed hyperlipidemia when blood tests reveal higher-than-normal levels of cholesterol. They will likely ask a person about their medical and family history. If their family history reveals the presence of the disorder in at least one parent, the person likely has mixed hyperlipidemia. The most important test a doctor can order for diagnosis is a fasting lipid profile. This test looks at low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Prior to the blood draw, a person will need to avoid eating for 9–12 hours. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults over the age of 20 years undergo testing for blood cholesterol levels every 4–6 years. People with other risk factors may require more frequent testing. Diagnosing mixed hyperlipidemia in children is complex due to a lack of long-term data that link lipid values in children to the occurrence of the disease in adults. However, some research indicates that the diagnosis of hyperapolipoprotein B (hyperapo B) — an elevated level of a specific type of LDL — in children might be a good marker for diagnosing mixed hyperlipidemia in later life. Treatment There is currently no cure for mixed hyperlipidemia. Instead, treatment is ongoing and focuses on helping prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Several factors can affect the doctor’s choice of treatment approach. They include:a person’s age at diagnosisthe presence of symptoms or other health conditionsthe severity of the increased lipid levels In some cases, a doctor may recommend lifestyle and habit changes as a first-line treatment. Lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol levels include:quitting smokingeating a diet focused on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteinsmaintaining a moderate weightexercising regularly If these changes are not effective enough, a doctor may prescribe medications to help lower lipid levels. The AHA notes that a doctor may prescribe various forms of medications, including:statins, although these are not safe for people with liver concernsezetimibe (Zetia), which blocks the absorption of cholesterol PCSK9 inhibitorsbile acid sequestrantsadenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitorsfibratesomega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters Does mixed hyperlipidemia count as a disability The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not consider mixed hyperlipidemia a disability. However, it can potentially coexist with or lead to conditions that may qualify. These conditions include:kidney problemsheart diseasestrokediabetes When to contact a doctor The AHA recommends that all adults over the age of 20 years get a lipid profile every 4–6 years. A person should make the doctor aware of any known risk factors for heart attack or stroke, such as family history, stress, physical inactivity, or smoking. A person should talk with a doctor if they start to develop symptoms or issues that they cannot explain. The doctor can help determine what may be causing the issues. When to seek emergency help A person should not ignore certain symptoms. Anyone who suspects that they are experiencing a heart attack or stroke should call 911 or seek emergency medical help. The symptoms of a stroke can include:slurred speechnumbness in the leg, arm, or face, usually on one side of the bodyvision problems in one eyeconfusiona severe headache with no known causeissues with movement or coordination The symptoms of a heart attack can include:discomfort in one or both shoulderschest painpain in the neck, jaw, or backshortness of breath Outlook A range of factors can affect the outlook for people with hyperlipidemia. These include:the person’s agehow closely they stick to their treatment planhow well their cholesterol levels respond to treatment Treatment will likely have the highest chance of success if a person takes steps to ensure that they follow the plan as closely as possible. The person can also maximize their likelihood of a good outcome by:eating a nutritious, well-balanced dietengaging in regular exercisereaching or maintaining a moderate weightquitting smoking, if applicable Making these changes can help a person reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and live a longer, healthier life. Summary Mixed hyperlipidemia is a congenital disorder in which a person has naturally higher levels of cholesterol and fat in their body. Without proper treatment, it can increase a person’s risk of developing complications, such as cardiovascular disease. The treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, the use of medication may be necessary. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022CholesterolGeneticsHeart DiseaseVascularCardiovascular / CardiologyNutrition / Diet 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cholesterol medications. (2020). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medicationsDisability evaluation under social security: Cardiovascular system - adult. (n.d.). https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/4.00-Cardiovascular-Adult.htm#TopHeart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htmHill, M. F., et al. (2022). Hyperlipidemia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559182/Kordesh, S. (2022). Familial combined hyperlipidemia. https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/specialty/genetics/resources/conditions/familial_combined_hyperlipidemia.jspPatni, N., et al. (2020). Genetics and dyslipidemia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK395584/Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). (2020). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia#.V-2nxb4-DuQStroke signs and symptoms. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htmWhat your cholesterol levels mean. (2020).https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-meanFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow to spot and treat a heart attackMedically reviewed by Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD, FACC Here, learn to recognize a heart attack and what to do next. We also describe treatment and recovery and provide tips for prevention.READ MOREEverything you need to know about strokeMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, MD Stroke blocks the blood supply to the brain and can be life threatening. 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