DefinitionFamilial hypertriglyceridemia is a common disorder passed down through families in which the level of triglycerides (a type of fat) in a person's blood are higher than normal.The condition is not associated with a significant increase in cholesterol levels.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsFamilial hypertriglyceridemia is caused by a genetic defect, which is passed on in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that if you get a bad copy of the gene from just one of your parents, you will have the condition.Some people with this condition also have high levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). The reason for the rise in triglycerides and VLDL is not understood.Familial hypertriglyceridemia does not usually become noticeable until puberty or early adulthood. Obesity, hyper