This disease is inherited and occurs in about 1 in 1000 people. The chance of inheriting two bad genes, one from each parent, is 1 in 1,000,000. An inherited trait cannot be prevented. Genetic counseling may be useful to couples with a family history of the disease. This disease is diagnosed by a blood test and family history.
Cholesterol levels are high at birth and increase with age.
A person with this disease generally develops artery blockages at an early age. For example, by age 50, a person with this condition is 3 to 10 times more likely than normal to have a heart attack . Heart disease, strokes, and other problems may also occur. Because of the very high risk of heart attacks, diagnosis and treatment should begin as soon as possible. This condition is inherited and is not contagious.