An update on familial hypercholesterolaemia

Abstract

A report of a World Health Organization consultation on familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) was recently presented in Geneva. The report provides an update on several aspects of FH such as the molecular basis, DNA diagnosis, clinical criteria for the diagnosis, treatment of FH adults and children, the role of diet, psychosocial aspects of FH, contacting and helping relatives with FH and gives suggestions for government cooperation. The report is reviewed here.

Key words:

• children
• DNA diagnosis
• familial hypercholesterolaemia
• low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• low-density lipoprotein receptor