Introduction
This chapter describes the special investigations which are commonly used to help diagnose and evaluate people suspected of having heart disease. It is divided into two sections. The first section deals with relatively straightforward tests. Most, or all, of these can be performed in local district general hospitals. The second section covers more complex investigations … Read more
How is FH treated?
All FH patients should be on a low cholesterol, low saturated fat, high polyunsaturated fat diet from early childhood. They should never smoke nor take contraceptive pills without medical advice in some e instances … Read more
What are the risks associated with FH?
The chief risk is premature death or disability from atherosclerosis, especially of the coronary arteries. This risk is greater than for other types of hyperlipidaemia because the hypercholesterolaemia is more severe and because it is present throughout life. Apart from this increased risk of coronary disease individuals with FH are normal in all other respects. … Read more
How and when can FH be detected?
FH can usually be detected at birth if a sample of umbilical cord blood is taken for measurement of LDL cholesterol. Otherwise a clear-cut increase in cholesterol is apparent by the age of 1 in most instances and persists throughout life. Clues to the presence of FH in adults include corneal arcus, xanthelasma and lumps … Read more
What is familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)?
This is the most serious form of hyperlipidaemia we recognise, both in terms of the degree to which cholesterol levels are elevated and the likelihood of atherosclerotic complications if left untreated. It affects 1 in 500 people in Britain and most other countries and is inherited in a dominant manner. That is to say, if … Read more
Can hyperlipidaemia be treated?
In most instances hyperlipidaemia will respond to appropriate changes in diet and life-style. Achievement of ideal body weight by eating less and drinking less alcohol and exercising more is of paramount importance. Failure of plasma lipids to normalise despite compliance with dietary advice, preferably given by a dietician, and despite adequate weight reduction suggests that … Read more
How common is hyperlipidaemia and how can it be detected
Up to 20% of people in Britain have a significant degree of hypercholesterolaemia but most of them are unaware of it. Clues to its existence include a family history of heart attacks in middle-age, the presence of a white ring around the iris of the eye (corneal arcus) and yellowish patches on the eyelids (xanthelasma). … Read more
What causes hyperlipidaemia?
Hyperlipidaemia results from an imbalance between the rate at which lipids enter the blood and the rate at which they are removed. Input is determined by the amounts produced in the liver and the amounts absorbed from the diet via the intestine. Cholesterol input is increased in people who are overweight or who eat a … Read more
What harm does hyperlipidaemia do?
Uncomplicated hyperlipidaemia seldom presents as an acute illness, except when plasma triglyceride levels are extremely high, and usually causes no symptoms. However, even quite moderate degrees of hypercholesterolaemia over the years can cause an acceleration … Read more