1st September 2020

A 47-year old man attends a GP appointment for the results of some routine blood tests

A 47-year old man attends a GP appointment for the results of some routine blood tests, which were done following him newly-registering with the practice. The only significant result is a total cholesterol level of 7.8 mmol/L (normal < 5.2 mmol/L). The patient is surprised by this – he is of slim build, exercises regularly, and says he maintains a healthy diet. He has no past medical history. His father died of a heart attack aged 58, but there is no family history of any other disease. You notice yellowish-coloured bumps around the patient’s eyelids, which he says he has had for a few years, but do not bother him.

Which of the following is the most likely cause of raised cholesterol in this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.