Familial Hypercholesterolemia

How is the condition diagnosed?

This disease is diagnosed by a blood test and family history. Cholesterol levels are high at birth and increase with age. The average total cholesterol with one abnormal gene is usually 250 to 500 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). With two abnormal genes, the average cholesterol level is 500 to 1000 mg/dl. Levels over 200 mg/dl are associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems.