Familial Hypercholesterolemia
(FH)
Definition
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a type of high cholesterol. It leads to higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
People with FH have a higher risk of heart disease.
Causes TOP
FH is caused by a faulty gene that is passed from parents to children. It can come from one or both parents. FH can be severe if both parents have the gene.
The faulty gene makes it hard for the liver to remove LDL from the blood.
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Risk Factors TOP
The parent will not always pass the faulty gene to their child. However, if one parent has the gene defect, it raises the child's risk of FH. If both parents have the gene defect, the child's risk of FH is even higher.
Symptoms TOP
FH itself does not cause symptoms. However, 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 TOP
A physical exam and blood tests will be done. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will look for:
- Fatty deposits in skin, tendons, or eyes
- High cholesterol, especially in young person
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Genetic testing
Other tests may be done to rule out other conditions.
Treatment TOP
FH will need lifelong treatment. The goal of treatment is to:
- Lower LDL levels
- Lower the risk of problems such as heart disease or stroke
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 alone may not be enough. Medicines may be given to lower LDL cholesterol. Options may be:
- Statins
- Alirocumab or evolocumab
Other Treatments TOP
Severe forms of FH may need:
- Apheresis—a machine that pulls LDL out of the blood
- Liver transplant —for those not helped with medicine
RESOURCES:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
NORD—National Organization for Rare Disorders
https://rarediseases.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Dietitians of Canada
https://www.dietitians.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
REFERENCES:
Familial hypercholesterolemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/familial-hypercholesterolemia. Accessed January 20, 2021.
Familial hypercholesterolemia. National Organization of Rare Disorders website. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/familial-hypercholesterolemia. Accessed January 20, 2021.
Familial hypercholesterolemia. Genetics Home Reference——US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/familial-hypercholesterolemia. Accessed January 20, 2021.
Soran H, Adam S. Hypercholesterolaemia – practical information for non-specialists. Arch Med Sci. 2018 Jan; 14(1): 1–21.
Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 1/19/2021