FH is a Serious Condition That Results in High Cholesterol
Familial hypercholesterolemia, or FH, is a genetic disorder that often goes undetected until a medical issue related to high cholesterol surfaces. FH, which runs in families, is caused by the body’s inability to remove excess LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Since this can lead to serious health issues such as a heart attack or stroke, it is becoming increasingly important to raise FH awareness.
Understanding FH at Work
The liver produces cholesterol, and cholesterol needs to be on the move because it is needed for many functions in the body. Since it isn’t able to float through the bloodstream on its own, it is “packaged” into particles called lipoproteins and then moved from place to place—if all goes well. The problem is that some of the cholesterol in these particles is known as LDL, which is what doctors call the “bad” cholesterol, and FH patients have too much of it. You see, if the liver becomes incapable of metabolizing excess LDL, the level simply builds up to the point where premature cardiovascular disease can occur. You can learn more about this process at The FH Foundation.
A Family Matter
To help raise awareness of FH, it should be understood that there are two forms of the disorder. If an individual inherits FH from one parent, the condition is called heterozygous FH (HeFH) and is estimated to affect 1 out of every 200 to 500 people worldwide. Homozygous FH (HoFH) is the more serious form, since it is passed down through both parents. HoFH is rare, however, and only occurs in about 1 in 160,000 to 1 million people worldwide. In families with a history of premature heart problems—in men younger than 55 and women younger than 65—the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol testing for children between the ages of 2 and 10. If FH is discovered, the affected child can begin treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins.
Early Treatment Is Preferred
Although familial hypercholesterolemia can be treated no matter what the patient’s age, early diagnosis goes a long way toward preventing or at least significantly delaying serious heart issues. Currently, the national recommendation is that testing for all Americans should occur between the ages of 9 and 11. Young men are more at risk of premature heart issues than are young women. The cause is likely that their HDL, or “good” cholesterol level, begins to fall as they go through puberty, something that doesn’t happen to females. Low HDL puts the individual at risk for premature heart disease. If elevated LDL is also present, the risk increases.
Spreading the Word
It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms for familial hypercholesterolemia. Does someone you know have high cholesterol? Has he or she seen a doctor? Has there been an ongoing problem trying to get the individual’s bad cholesterol down to an acceptable range? Does someone you know have relatives who experienced heart problems early in life? Physical signs can also offer clues to the possibility of FH. Look for a yellowish color in the eyes or odd spots or bumps around elbows, knees, ankles or hands. In short, be observant, and whenever possible, help to raise FH awareness.
Understanding FH at Work
The liver produces cholesterol, and cholesterol needs to be on the move because it is needed for many functions in the body. Since it isn’t able to float through the bloodstream on its own, it is “packaged” into particles called lipoproteins and then moved from place to place—if all goes well. The problem is that some of the cholesterol in these particles is known as LDL, which is what doctors call the “bad” cholesterol, and FH patients have too much of it. You see, if the liver becomes incapable of metabolizing excess LDL, the level simply builds up to the point where premature cardiovascular disease can occur. You can learn more about this process at The FH Foundation.
A Family Matter
To help raise awareness of FH, it should be understood that there are two forms of the disorder. If an individual inherits FH from one parent, the condition is called heterozygous FH (HeFH) and is estimated to affect 1 out of every 200 to 500 people worldwide. Homozygous FH (HoFH) is the more serious form, since it is passed down through both parents. HoFH is rare, however, and only occurs in about 1 in 160,000 to 1 million people worldwide. In families with a history of premature heart problems—in men younger than 55 and women younger than 65—the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol testing for children between the ages of 2 and 10. If FH is discovered, the affected child can begin treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins.
Early Treatment Is Preferred
Although familial hypercholesterolemia can be treated no matter what the patient’s age, early diagnosis goes a long way toward preventing or at least significantly delaying serious heart issues. Currently, the national recommendation is that testing for all Americans should occur between the ages of 9 and 11. Young men are more at risk of premature heart issues than are young women. The cause is likely that their HDL, or “good” cholesterol level, begins to fall as they go through puberty, something that doesn’t happen to females. Low HDL puts the individual at risk for premature heart disease. If elevated LDL is also present, the risk increases.
Spreading the Word
It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms for familial hypercholesterolemia. Does someone you know have high cholesterol? Has he or she seen a doctor? Has there been an ongoing problem trying to get the individual’s bad cholesterol down to an acceptable range? Does someone you know have relatives who experienced heart problems early in life? Physical signs can also offer clues to the possibility of FH. Look for a yellowish color in the eyes or odd spots or bumps around elbows, knees, ankles or hands. In short, be observant, and whenever possible, help to raise FH awareness.
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