Which Fredrickson Type is Familial combined hyperlipoproteinemia (high LDL and VLDL)?

• A. Type IIa
• B. Type IIb
• C. Type III
• D. Type IV

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how the Fredrickson lipoprotein classification matches the pattern of lipoprotein elevations. Familial combined hyperlipoproteinemia shows increases in both LDL and VLDL particles, so the Fredrickson type that fits this pattern is the one with elevation of both LDL and VLDL. That is Type IIb. This differs from Type IIa, which elevates LDL alone; Type IV, which elevates VLDL alone; and Type III, which centers on remnant particles (IDL) from apoE2 and does not describe a simultaneous rise in both LDL and VLDL.