A familial lipid disorder is a condition that runs in families. It causes very high levels of cholesterol. This condition can cause a person to get coronary artery disease (CAD) while still young.

Because familial lipid disorders are rare, your doctor may only suspect one if you have:

• Very high cholesterol levels. For example, LDL cholesterol might be over 190 mg/dL. Total cholesterol might be over 300 mg/dL.
• A family history of high cholesterol.
• A family history of early CAD.
• Certain results from a physical exam. These results include xanthomas, a skin condition in which small bumps of fat appear under the skin.

Your family doctor may not have much experience with familial lipid disorders, so you may have to see a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. And some cardiologists specialize in lipid disorders as well as heart problems.