Familial combined hyperlipidemia

Cause

While genetics are the primary driver, a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise both cholesterol and triglycerides. Other health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism can worsen high triglycerides. Certain medications, including estrogen, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers, are also triggers. Obesity, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and inactivity further increase risk.

Diagnosis

Familial combined hyperlipidemia is probably caused by decreased LDL receptor and increased ApoB. Acquired combined hyperlipidemia is extremely common in patients with metabolic syndrome, which incorporates diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, central obesity, and coronary heart disease. Excessive free fatty acid production by various tissues leads to increased VLDL synthesis by the liver.

Did You Know?

• Both conditions are treated with fibrate drugs, which act on PPARα to decrease free fatty acid production.
• Statin drugs, especially atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, can decrease LDL levels by increasing hepatic reuptake of LDL.
• Steroid uses, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, oral contraceptives, chronic kidney failure, hypopituitarism, and nephritic syndrome are other contributors to hyperlipidemia.