Seed, Mary, Humphries, Steve E. and Thorogood, Margaret. (2009) A commentary on the NICE guideline on identification and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia. Primary Care Cardiovascular Journal (PCCJ), Vol.2 (No.3). pp. 141-144. ISSN 1756-5138

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Background: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic disorder with high serum cholesterol levels, early atherosclerosis and a high risk of premature coronary heart disease. It is both under-diagnosed and inadequately treated in some people, although the statin class of drugs is effective in reducing both morbidity and mortality.
Recommendations: The basis for a diagnosis of FH is an LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) level of greater than 4.9 mmol/L in an adult or 4.0 mmol/L in a child under 16, combined with either, or both, a family history or clinical signs (xanthomata). Diagnosis can also be made by a genetic test.
Because of the high risk of coronary heart disease, adults over 18 years should be treated with a high-potency statin. Patients should be reviewed at least annually, including a review of cardiovascular symptoms or risk factors. Primary care physicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for referral to a specialist in cardiology. Women of childbearing age need particular advice regarding contraception and specialist care in pregnancy. Children should be referred to a specialist centre for treatment.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Hypercholesteremia -- Diagnosis, Hypercholesteremia -- Treatment, Hyperlipidemia in children, Hypercholesteremia in children, Coronary heart disease
Journal or Publication Title:	Primary Care Cardiovascular Journal (PCCJ)
ISSN:	1756-5138
Official Date:	July 2009
Volume:	Vol.2
Number:	No.3
Page Range:	pp. 141-144
Identification Number:	10.3132/pccj.2009.053
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/37437

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item