Working With a Cholesterol Specialist to Treat Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a blood disorder that leads to elevated levels of cholesterol. Because those with FH have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, they are predisposed to early heart disease and heart attacks. Men with FH tend to experience a first heart attack in their 40s or 50s, while women who have the condition often experience a first heart attack in their 60s. Unless the condition is treated, heart attacks are likely to continue.

Treating familial hypercholesterolemia begins with being tested for the disorder. During testing, a cholesterol specialist (a.k.a. lipid specialist) will draw a blood sample using a finger stick or a needle. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for testing. If test results indicate familial hypercholesterolemia, the cholesterol specialist will likely recommend a treatment regimen that consists of one or more cholesterol-lowering medications and several positive lifestyle changes.

Medications commonly used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia include statin drugs, cholesterol absorbers, and bile acid sequestrants. Common non-medicinal therapies include quitting smoking, limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption, eating a diet low in saturated fat, and maintaining a weekly exercise routine. By practicing the right regimen of medicinal and non-medicinal therapies, people with FH can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease.

Several effective treatments are available for FH; however, many people are unaware they have the condition, and thus fail to seek treatment until after a heart attack reveals the disorder. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition. If one of your parents has the disorder, there is a 50 percent chance that you also have FH. In addition to genetic prevalence, below are some additional signs that commonly indicate the presence of familial hypercholesterolemia.

If you have any of these conditions, seeing a cholesterol specialist (also known as a lipidologist) right away could be essential for avoiding a heart attack. If the cholesterol specialist conducts a blood test and finds you have inherited hypercholesterolemia, a treatment regimen that lowers your cholesterol levels and reduces cardiovascular risk will be proposed immediately. By following the regimen, you can improve your health dramatically and help prevent heart attacks.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a disease that can linger for years without detection. This is why many people discover they have the condition only after having a heart attack and receiving a blood lipid test. For more information about signs, diagnosis, and treatment of FH, contact the Family Heart Foundation. We work with physicians, nurses, professional organizations, and government representatives to make positive changes for those who have familial hypercholesterolemia.

For more information about diagnosing and treating familial hypercholesterolemia, browse through our website, call us today at (626) 465-1234, or click here to use our contact form.