Hyperbetalipoproteinaemia and hyperalphalipoproteinaemia in a single family.

Twelve members of a kindred were studied of whom six showed elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Within the blood related group nine showed elevated high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and correspondingly elevated HDL lipoprotein apoprotein levels. The members with elevated LDL also therefore had elevated HDL. There was no family history of premature vascular disease in the kindred and the 74 year old member was clinically free of ischaemic vascular disease. It is considered that the coincidence of a familial tendency to high blood LDL and HDL was not associated with appearance of premature arterial disease in this kindred.