Guideline will aid early detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia

摘要

It is estimated that heterozygous FH affects 1 in 500 people in the UK but the vast majority remain undiagnosed, with only 15,000 patients currently identified. It can result in significantly raised LDL cholesterol levels and if left untreated, patients have a high risk of premature CHD, with a >50% risk in men by the age of 50 and >30% in women by the age of 60. If treated early, most patients will have a normal life expectancy.