Genetic Disorders and Elevated Cholesterol Levels
Genetic disorders can play a role in causing increased cholesterol levels, particularly in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Individuals who develop this disorder experience elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) due to their livers’ inability to effectively remove excess LDL from their bodies. FH can be inherited in two forms: heterozygous FH, which is inherited from one parent and affects approximately one in every 250 individuals, and homozygous FH, which is inherited from both parents and occurs in a much rarer frequency of only one in a million people. Interestingly, experts believe that a significant number of children, teenagers, and adults may have this treatable disorder but remain undiagnosed.
Can dyslipidemia occur in children?
When dyslipidemia is diagnosed in children, it is primarily caused by genetic factors. However, there are cases where genetic factors are combined with environmental factors, such as diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol, leading to more severe conditions. The challenge with childhood dyslipidemia is that it often does not present noticeable symptoms. One exception is familial hypercholesterolemia, which can be identified by physical signs like yellow bumps on the Achilles tendon, feet, elbows, or knees, or a grayish or yellowish ring in the corneas of both eyes. Other forms of dyslipidemia in children can be linked to kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or certain medications.