[Diagnosis and Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia]. / Familiäre Hypercholesterinämie ­ Diagnose und Therapie.

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis and Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Abstract. Familial hypercholesterolemia secondary to heterozygous mutations in the LDL receptor, Apolipoprotein B or PCSK9 gene is characterized by 2- to 3-fold elevated LDL cholesterol levels, premature atherosclerosis and extravascular cholesterol deposits (tendon xanthomata, corneal arcus). The same phenotype may occur if a person carries several LDL cholesterol rising polymorphisms (polygenic FH). Primary prevention with statins has been shown to dramatically reduce the cardiovascular burden in patients with the disease. However, it is estimated that less than 10 % of affected subjects in Switzerland have received the diagnosis, and undertreatment is frequent. Thus, clinical cardiovascular events are still the first manifestation of the disease in many cases. A correct diagnosis in index patients and cascade screening of families are mandatory to identify and treat patients before they suffer the sequelae of untreated severe hypercholesterolemia. In patients with clinical cardiovascular disease combination lipid lowering treatment with potent statins, ezetimibe and the newly available PCSK9 inhibitors will successfully lower LDL cholesterol to normal or even target levels.