Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Overview
Causes
FH is caused by a gene problem that is passed from parents to children. It can come from one or both parents. FH can be severe if both parents pass the gene to their child.
The gene problem makes it hard for the liver to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
FH itself does not cause symptoms. But high levels of LDL can lead to:
- Thick and painful tendons
- Xanthomas—fatty deposits under the skin
- Xanthelasmas—fatty deposits on the eyelids
- Eye problems—due to fatty deposits on the cornea
FH raises the risk of heart and blood vessel disease at a young age. This can lead to:
- Atherosclerosis
- Angina
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Early death
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam and blood tests will be done. To diagnose FH, the doctor will look for:
- Fatty deposits in skin, tendons, or eyes
- High cholesterol, especially in a young person
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Genetic testing
More tests may be done to rule out other conditions.
Treatments
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to:
- Lower LDL levels
- Lower the risk of problems such as heart disease or stroke
FH will need lifelong treatment. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
To help lower cholesterol levels, the doctor may advise:
- A diet that is
- Low in saturated fats and cholesterol
- High in grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes
- Low in alcohol
- Regular physical activity
- Not smoking
- Reaching and keeping a healthy weight
Medicine
Diet and exercise may reduce LDL levels enough. Medicines may be given to lower LDL cholesterol. Options may be:
- Statins
- Alirocumab or evolocumab
Other Treatments
Severe forms of FH may need:
- Apheresis—a machine that pulls LDL out of the blood
- Liver transplant—if medicine does not work
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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