Understanding Fh

By Author: The FH Foundation
Total Articles: 4
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What is FH? Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition resulting in high LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance required by the body in small amounts but that can have very negative effects if it accumulates in excess. Blood containing too much cholesterol can result in plaque building up in the arteries and a greater risk of developing heart disease and suffering heart attacks.

What are the Symptoms of FH?

A major indicator of familial hypercholesterolemia is a family history of FH or heart attacks early on in life. Other indicators include high cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. For those with this disorder, cholesterol deposits can become apparent on the body. These include deposits of cholesterol in the eyelids (xanthelasmas), deposits around the corneas (corneal arcus), and waxy deposits of cholesterol on skin or tendons (xanthomas). Many of these symptoms begin to develop very early on in life, as young as infancy. Heart attacks can occur before the age of 30. Men afflicted with LH often suffer from heart attacks earlier ...
... on in life than women with the disease.

How is FH Diagnosed?

To diagnose a possible case of FH, a physician will conduct laboratory testing and a physical examination. The physician will also look for cholesterol deposits on the body. Laboratory testing includes blood testing, which will check for elevated levels of LDL, as well as genetic testing, which will check for the gene mutation known to cause FH.

What is the treatment for FH?

In general, the objective of treatment for familial hypercholesterolemia is to lower levels of LDL in the bloodstream. By lowering LDL levels, physicians aim to prevent the buildup of plaques in the arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Individuals diagnosed with FH will be instructed to change their diets to cut out sources of fat; this adjusted diet often involves eliminating butter, pork, lamb, fatty cheeses and dairy products, and some oils. Diet counseling may be useful to help patients follow these guidelines. Exercise can also improve symptoms and outcomes for FH patients. In addition to diet and exercise, medications can be taken to lower cholesterol. In severe cases, individuals may require LDL apheresis (a therapy that removes LDL from the bloodstream), or even a liver transplant.

Fighting FH

Today in the United States, an estimated 1.3 million people have FH. Shockingly, only 90% of those individuals have been properly diagnosed with the disorder. Untreated, those with FH have a very high likelihood of suffering from heart attacks before the age of 50, which can be fatal. Treatment for this disease can be lifesaving, but first, individuals must be diagnosed. Therefore, families with a history of early heart attacks or heart disease should have cholesterol testing for all family members. The fhfoundation.org offers more information about awareness and support for individuals with FH.

Though familial hypercholesterolemia is a serious and dangerous condition, proactive testing and healthy lifestyles can improve outcomes. As medical and diagnostic techniques improve, so will the lives of patients suffering from LH.

If you want to know more information visit our website :- https://thefhfoundation.org/