According to a story from Healio, a recent presentation featured at the FH Foundation Global Summit was a stark reminder of the need for improved treatment for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. The presentation pointed out a number of problems that still remain when it comes to the effective treatment of the condition. Some of the issues addressed included disparities in treatment and considerations for pregnant women.
About Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a condition of elevated, abnormally high levels of LDL cholesterol that is caused by a hereditary genetic mutation. The mutation that causes the condition affects the LDLR gene which normally codes for a protein that removes LDL from the bloodstream. The primary symptoms are elevated LDL cholesterol, deposits of cholesterol in certain areas of the body (eyelids, iris, and tendons of the arms and legs), and early onset cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease, strokes, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. While once considered rare, it is likely that many people with the condition live undiagnosed. Treatment may include statins or other medications, liver transplant, or other surgical operations. The true prevalence of the condition remains unknown. To learn more about familial hypercholesterolemia, click here.
Treatment Improvements Needed
The presentation revealed that the latest assessments have indicated that women and people of color are not treated as effectively as white male patients. These patient populations are less likely to be prescribed statins, a common first-line treatment for the condition in many cases. In addition, people of color rarely see their levels of LDL cholesterol reduced as successfully as white males. This suggests that these patients are being discriminated against by not being treated as extensively, or that the most common therapies are not as effective for people of color.
Many doctors are not informed about familial hypercholesterolemia in pregnant women. Proper planning is highly important and these women may need to temporarily halt lipid-lowering treatments during pregnancy. In addition, their children should be screened for the condition. Overall, shared decision-making between physicians and patients is critical. Other challenges included difficulties with treatment access and the limitations of current research funding and government support.
Nanette K. Wenger delivered the presentation at the event.
