Genetic Conditions
There are genetic or inherited heart conditions related to lipoproteins (particles made of protein and fat that help transport cholesterol in your body). This means that some people inherit genes from their mother, father or both that can lead to high levels of certain types of lipoproteins.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition that makes it harder for the body to remove LDL “bad” cholesterol from the blood. If not identified and treated early in life, people with FH are at increased risk for premature heart disease and stroke.
There are two types of FH: homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein in your blood. Your level is mostly inherited, and when it is high, it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What is cascade screening, and why is it important for identifying genetic conditions?
Cascade screening is a way to check if family members of someone with a genetic condition might have the same gene change. In the case of familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated Lp(a), early intervention can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
