Fri, December 13, 2024
Thu, December 12, 2024

I'm slim, healthy and young - but I'm at double the risk of a heart attack

Like one in five of the population, Emma Print has a kind of cholesterol doctors know little about and which isn't routinely tested for

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that leads to extremely high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from birth, significantly increasing the risk of early heart disease. This condition affects about one in 250 people, with many unaware of their condition due to its often silent nature until a cardiac event occurs. FH is caused by mutations in genes responsible for clearing LDL cholesterol from the blood, leading to its accumulation in artery walls, forming plaques that can cause heart attacks or strokes. Symptoms might not be evident until adulthood, but can include cholesterol deposits in tendons (xanthomas) or around the eyes (xanthelasmas), and a white or grey ring around the cornea. Management involves aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatments, including statins, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and sometimes more advanced therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent premature cardiovascular events, and cascade screening of family members is recommended to identify others at risk.

Read the Full The Daily Telegraph Article at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/heart-health/familial-hypercholesterolemia/