WHAT IS FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA (FH)? FH is a common condition in which the body is unable to process its natural supply of cholesterol. This inherited illness is due to one or, more rarely, two abnormal chromosomes, which make the liver ineffective at transporting cholesterol in the body. High levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol or LDL-C) can block arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke if left untreated.1 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA WHO IS AFFECTED? IS CHOLESTEROL BAD? FH affects an estimatedone in 300 to one Not in itself, but too much of it can be dangerous for your 2 health. Cholesterol plays an important role in the body as it . in 500 people worldwide helps make the outer coating of cells; is necessary for bile acids that help digest food; and allows the body to make Up to 80% of affected people Vitamin D and hormones. HDL (high-density lipoproteins) in most countries and LDL move cholesterol to the parts of your body that remain undiagnosed need it, however, too much LDL in your bloodstream leads throughout the world.2 to excess cholesterol being deposited in your arteries, which can cause plaques and lead to heart disease.1 If left untreated: • the risk of developing early heart disease is 3 20 times greater than in the general population; • men have a 50% risk for a coronary event by the age of 50; 4 women a 30% risk by the age of 60. LDL cholesterol LIVING WITH FH CAN FH BE TREATED? Yes, there are several types of treatments including CLICK ON PHOTO TO “statins”, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid ACCESS VIDEO sequestrants and PCSK9 inhibitors. Talk to your doctor for more information about different treatments. Early diagnosis is important as it can help decrease the risk of early heart disease that is associated with inherited hypercholesterolemia. A healthy lifestyle is also an important contributor to reducing risk. Meet Meet Katherine Geoff the Advocate the Survivor Meet Philippe the Young Father Sources: 1. https://thefhfoundation.org/7-surprising-facts-cholesterol. - 2. Goldberg, Anne. Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Screening, diagnosis and management of pediatric and adult patients. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2011.03.001. March 2, 2011. - 3. What are the risks with FH? FH Foundation. Available from http://thefhfoundation.org/about-fh/what-are-the-risks-with-fh/. Last accessed September 2019. - 4. Youngblom E, Knowles JW. Familial Hypercholesterolemia. 2014 Jan 2. In: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Ardinger HH, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [In- ternet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2015. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK174884/. - 5. https:// thefhfoundation.org/familial-hypercholesterolemia/do-i-have-fh last accessed September 2019. SAGLB.PRL.19.09.1342 - Approved: September 2019.