Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Circulation
Angela Onorato, BS; Amy C. Sturm, MS, LGC
April 19, 2016

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol) from birth. FH means high cholesterol that runs in a family. FH is caused by specific DNA changes that are passed on from parents to their children. It is not caused by lifestyle factors such as a high-fat diet or lack of exercise.