Articles tagged with Hypercholesterolemia
A new modeling study suggests that universal screening programs could make intensive monitoring and lifestyle changes in all children and young adults with high cholesterol cost-effective. Early recognition and management of high cholesterol can prevent or delay heart attacks, strokes, and dementia later in life.
Researchers mapped functional impact of over 17,000 genetic variants associated with premature atherosclerotic heart disease. The new variant impact scores have the potential to increase diagnoses for unclassified variants by a factor of 10.
The statement offers evidence-based guidance to help clinicians navigate cholesterol management in older adults without cardiovascular disease. It balances potential benefits of ASCVD prevention with realities of aging and end-of-life considerations.
A study found that 10% of South Asian immigrants aged 45 and older in Canada had hypothyroidism. Higher dietary intake of fat, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increasing age were associated with a higher risk of the condition. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to minimize preventable health impacts.
Researchers discovered that people with hereditary high cholesterol (FH) in Denmark are now living as long as the general population, with average life expectancies increasing from 50 to 78 years. However, they are still diagnosed with cardiovascular disease seven years earlier than those without FH.
A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.
The study identifies key genes differentially expressed in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and their association with atherosclerosis. These findings provide insights into the development of cardiovascular diseases and suggest potential therapeutic targets for alleviating their impact.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
A Geisinger-led study found that knowing the genetic cause of high cholesterol increases heart disease risk more than having high cholesterol levels alone. The study used UK Biobank data and observed distinct differences in heart disease rates among participants with different genetic causes.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
A new study finds that one-time genomic screening of adults aged 20-60 for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia is cost-effective based on quality-adjusted life-year measures. The study suggests that this approach could improve disease management and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent analysis of the Family Heart Database found that individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia are more likely to receive adequate treatment if they are White, male, and have higher income or education. The study highlights a significant unmet need for improving equity in cardiovascular risk reduction.
Children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are diagnosed earlier and have higher untreated LDL-C levels than adults, while those not identified early miss out on decades of life-saving treatment. This study emphasizes the need for universal screening to identify children with HoFH or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
A new analysis from the Family Heart Foundation shows that only 31.3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in its database had been diagnosed as of June 2020. This represents a significant increase since 2016, but highlights the ongoing challenge of diagnosing and managing the condition.
A study estimates that more than 1 million U.S. adults carry a gene for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and potentially leading to premature heart attack or death. Genetic testing may help identify those at risk, but its affordability is a concern.
A study of 35 low- and middle-income countries found that less than one-third of individuals with high cholesterol received treatment. This highlights the inadequate care for hypercholesterolemia in these regions, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A new canine mutant model mimics human cerebrovascular disease by exhibiting severe arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke. The ApoE knockout dogs show extensive and severe arteriosclerosis plaques and arterial stenosis, consistent with human cerebral arteries and coronary arteries.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London tested an algorithm on 700,000 patient records in east London to identify Familial Hypercholesterolemia, a leading cause of heart attacks in young people. The 'FAMCAT' algorithm analyzes GP data and family history to predict who may be at risk.
New data from the CASCADE FH Registry highlights gaps in care for children with familial hypercholesterolemia. Children are typically diagnosed at age 9, seven years after cholesterol screening guidelines recommend it. Early treatment intervention can prevent cardiovascular disease.
A phase 2 study found that evinacumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 50% in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia resistant to standard treatments. The therapy works through a different mechanism than existing drugs and shows promise for treating refractory hypercholesterolemia.
A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that people with familial hypercholesterolemia should eliminate carbs and focus on a heart-healthy diet low in sugar. The research finds no evidence to support the long-held recommendation to minimize saturated fat intake.
A global coalition is calling for early screening and coordinated lifetime care for familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition affecting 34 million people worldwide. The initiative aims to prevent premature cardiovascular disease and save lives by leveraging scientific data, novel therapies, and technological advances.
A new machine learning algorithm identified individuals with probable familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) for the first time at a national scale, reducing the number of people needed to be screened. The FIND FH model performed comparably well on diverse healthcare data and has been implemented in several US healthcare systems.
A recent study found that lowering cholesterol with statins does not decrease the activation of immune cells in patients with high cholesterol levels. This 'trained immunity' allows immune cells to 'remember' previous exposures and maintain hyperactivity despite cholesterol reduction.
Researchers analyzed data from 1.2 million donors to determine if blood donation programs could detect familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and premature coronary artery disease. The study found that about 1 in every 339 donors met the criteria for the condition.
Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents relies on clinical phenotype, LDL-C levels, and family history. Effective treatment approaches include statins, with ezetimibe and bile acid sequestrants used as second-line agents.
Research identifies GM3S and GM3 ganglioside as crucial for intestinal cholesterol uptake, offering a new therapeutic target for reducing high blood cholesterol. A high-cholesterol diet-fed mouse model with deficient GM3S shows lower susceptibility to high blood cholesterol.
The USPSTF found inadequate evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for lipid disorders in children. Short-term trials have shown reductions in LDL-C levels with pharmacotherapy, but long-term effects are unclear.
Researchers estimate that heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia affects up to 1.5 million people in the US. Patients with this condition are at five times higher risk for coronary heart disease over the long term compared to those with average LDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a new gene linked to familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing very high blood cholesterol. High levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood increase heart attack risk by five times.
A study found that familial hypercholesterolemia mutations account for less than 2% of cases with severely elevated LDL levels, but significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Gene sequencing identified individuals at high risk who may benefit from additional preventive therapies.
A study found that only 2% of people with very high cholesterol have a familial hypercholesterolemia mutation, but those with the mutation face a six times higher risk of early-onset coronary artery disease. Genetic screening could help identify and ward off cardiovascular disease in affected individuals.
Researchers used urine-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model hypercholesterolemia and predict patient responses to cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study shows that these models can be used to test the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors, potentially paving the way for personalized treatment.
A study of 25,000 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia found a significant lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to unaffected relatives, varying by the type of gene mutation. The findings suggest decreased pancreatic LDL transport may reduce cell death and lower diabetes rates.
A study found that low-income uninsured adults are less likely to have chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. However, those with these conditions are more likely to be undiagnosed or uncontrolled.
A randomized clinical trial of flaxseed supplementation in children with hypercholesterolemia found no significant effects on total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The study concluded that flaxseed remains an unverified strategy for managing cardiovascular risk factors in youth.
The current dyslipidemia guidelines have raised controversy due to concerns that they may lead to more people being screened and prescribed statin therapy. The debate centers around the data used in the guidelines and its implications for patient care.
A randomized trial found that pravastatin therapy reduced LDL-C levels by 24.1% and carotid intima-media thickness by regression in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. The study's findings suggest that statin treatment can reverse increased arterial wall thickness progression in these patients.