Publication Details
Brett, T.,
Watts, G. F.,
Garton-Smith, J.,
Bell, D. A.,
Vickery, A. W.,
Pang, J.,
&
Arnold-Reed, D.
(2015).
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: challenges in primary care.
Medicine Today, 16 (8), 20-26.
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolaemia remains largely unrecognised and undertreated in Australian primary care. A new approach involving increased awareness, early detection, lifelong treatment and cascade testing of relatives is essential to improve outcomes of patients with this disorder.
Key Points
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a relatively common inherited disorder of high cholesterol levels.
- FH can lead to atherosclerosis, premature coronary artery disease and early death if left untreated.
- Cascade testing of relatives of patients with FH is cost- effective and necessary as one in two will have the condition.
- Innovations in primary care can improve FH detection in the community.
- An integrated approach to FH detection involving GPs, specialists and pathology laboratories is recommended.
- Primary care teams are well positioned to provide a sustainable approach to FH diagnosis and management but greater awareness of this condition is needed.
Keywords
familial hypercholesterolaemia, treatment, cascade testing, Australian primary care
Comments
This article originally published:
Brett, Tom; Watts, Gerald F.; Garton-Smith, Jacquie; Bell, Damon A.; Vickery, Alistair W.; Pang, Jing; Arnold-Reed, Diane; (2015). Familial hypercholesterolaemia: Challenges in primary care. Medicine Today 16 (8): 20-26.
Permission granted by Medicine Today for use on ResearchOnline@ND.
©Medicine Today 2015 (http://www.medicinetoday.com.au).