Familial hypercholesterolemia research identifies new cardiovascular risk factors

familial hypercholesterolemia cardiovascular risk LDL cholesterol genetic disease early detection

Researchers from the Infanta Elena Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Huelva and Australia's Royal Perth Hospital, have identified additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). A meta-analysis of 21 studies, involving over 23,000 individuals, published in the journal ‘Atherosclerosis’, indicates that cardiovascular risk is not determined solely by LDL cholesterol levels. Factors such as hypertension, smoking, age, sex, lipoprotein(a), BMI, and triglycerides play significant roles.

In Spain, FH is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people. It is estimated that 200,000 people in the country have the condition, including 30,000 children, yet only about 50,000 have received a diagnosis. The disease can reduce life expectancy by 20 to 30 years if left untreated. Medical experts, including representatives from the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), emphasize the critical importance of early detection and neonatal screening to prevent premature cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes.

Entities

Infanta Elena Hospital · Manuel Romero · Royal Perth Hospital · Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition · University of Huelva

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HFHo) affects approximately 1 in 300,000 people. www.immedicohospitalario.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Spain, approximately 200,000 people have familial hypercholesterolemia, including 30,000 children. www.immedicohospitalario.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Only about 50,000 people with familial hypercholesterolemia in Spain are currently diagnosed. www.immedicohospitalario.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 23,613 people with genetically confirmed familial hypercholesterolemia was conducted. www.diariodehuelva.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Familial hypercholesterolemia can reduce life expectancy by 20 to 30 years. www.immedicohospitalario.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cardiovascular risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia is not solely dependent on LDL cholesterol levels. www.diariodehuelva.es
[● 2 SOURCES] Familial hypercholesterolemia affects approximately 1 in 250 people. www.immedicohospitalario.es · www.saludadiario.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Hypertension, smoking, age, sex, lipoprotein(a), BMI, and triglycerides are significant factors associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. www.diariodehuelva.es