Tag Archives: familial hypercholesterolaemia

FH and myocardial infarction A report from EUROASPIRE IV, a survey of secondary prevention management in 24 European countries, highlighted the need to consider FH in patients with a myocardial infarction (MI).1 In this cohort of 7,044 patients, 8.3% of MI patients – one in 12 – had a likely FH diagnosis, based on adapted Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria. This rose to about one in five patients had likely FH in those aged less than 50 years. According to Dr Joost Besseling (Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands): “This study indicates that clinicians should consider the possibility of FH diagnosis in patients with a fir

FH initiative Headlining the Congress was the launch of the EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC), a consortium of major FH registries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America, led by Professor Kausik Ray (Imperial College, London). As shown by the previous EAS Consensus Panel statement, FH is one of the most common inherited conditions, yet it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in almost all countries.1 The FHSC will provide information on key aspects relating to FH care which will be critical in leveraging public policy to improve detection and management. Linking patient and clinician empowerment unde

FH: improving detection in primary care The launch of the NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) heralded great optimism for improving detection rates in primary care.1 Even with new research showing that FH is more common than previously thought,2  still around 80% of patients are not recognised. Novel detection approaches are clearly needed. Professor Nadeem Qureshi (University of Nottingham) presented preliminary findings from six GP centres taking part in FAMCHOL (Feasibility of Improving Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in General Practice: Intervention

Lowering LDL-cholesterol: we need to do better It is essential that high-risk patients attain the recommended low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol target. As reported at the first late-breaking session, the choice and dose of statin are key factors influencing LDL-cholesterol lowering. In a meta-analysis of the VOYAGER (Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of Statin Therapy in At-risk Groups: Effects of Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin and Simvastatin) database of 37 studies of high-intensity statins, 71% of patients treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg achieved at least 50% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels, compared with 59% for atorvastatin 8

This supplement is a report from the inaugural meeting of the Cardiometabolic Forum, jointly organised by the British Journal of Cardiology and HEART UK – The Cholesterol Charity. The meeting was held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, London, on 24th November 2011. Meeting chairs were Dr Dermot Neely (Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne) for HEART UK, and Dr Henry Purcell (Royal Brompton Hospital, London, and Editor) for BJC. We hope this supplement will provide readers with an independent overview on recent developments in our knowledge of cholesterol metabolism and its implications for clinical practice. Speakers Dermot Neely

Abnormalities in plasma lipoprotein concentrations are found in seven of out every 10 patients with premature coronary disease, with a familial disorder in more than half of these cases, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and scope for early treatment of affected families.1 Clinical assessment, incorporating review of phenotypic features, personal and family history, physical signs and laboratory tests, is fundamental to diagnosis. Table 1. Key tests to exclude secondary causes of dyslipidaemia In the first instance, it is important to exclude secondary causes of dyslipidaemia. Diabetes mellitus, untreated hypothyroidism, neph

UK cholesterol awareness low Millions of people in the UK hold incorrect beliefs about the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to HEART UK research. The research, which tested 1,177 people on their knowledge and concerns about high cholesterol, revealed that more than 40% of respondents wrongly thought that raised cholesterol resulted from drinking too much, while almost 60% did not know that the condition can be inherited. Almost half the population have never had a cholesterol check and only 2% of those surveyed named high cholesterol as their biggest health concern. The top health worry for people was cancer, even though CVD i

Findings Nearly 70% of eligible PCTs responded to this survey, with many PCTs admitting to a lack of formal planning for FH, and incomplete knowledge about relevant FH services. Looking at the results as a whole, I think it is safe to say that the failure to implement the guidelines at PCT level suggests that national guidance is not always given local priority. More than 40% of the respondents admitted to a shortage of specialist care for people with FH, including adults, children and pregnant women. A number of PCTs indicated that they face barriers to treating FH patients and these concerns need to be addressed immediately if the guidelin

Introduction About 10 million deaths in the world are caused each year by coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.1 Comparative statistics in Britain2 are on a smaller scale but in relative terms, similar. Total mortality in the UK is approximately 600,000 annually, 36% of which is due to cardiovascular disease. Half of the latter is from CHD, a quarter from stroke and it is the main cause of premature mortality in both men and women. Recently it was estimated that the major modifiable risk factor, raised serum cholesterol, accounted for 45% of all myocardial infarcts in Western Europe.3 The introduction of statins 20 years ago has revolution

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