September 24, 2022 will be recognized as Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Awareness Day, a time to spread awareness about this under-recognized condition among the general public and in the medical field. Helping the world #KnowFH is critical because early diagnosis means early treatment, which can translate into lives saved. Seven of every ten people that live with FH have not been diagnosed. These people are at elevated risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and ultimately, early death.
About Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
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 familial hypercholesterolemia remains unknown. To learn more about familial hypercholesterolemia, click here.
Quick Facts to Share
- An estimated 1.3 million people in the US, and up to 30 million people around the world, have FH.
- 1 in 5 heart attacks in people less than 45 years old can be linked to FH
- FH is one of the most common genetic conditions that lead to high cholesterol
- FH is a family disease. If you are diagnosed, there is a 50 percent chance that your first degree relatives (think siblings, children, or parents) have it too
The Family Heart Foundation is providing a wealth of resources for people that want to play their part on FH Awareness Day and help spread awareness. A variety of tools, such as social media post templates, infographics, patient stories, calendar of events, and shareable videos, are available on the organization’s website. Click here to check them out and start spreading awareness on your social media platforms.
