More Detailed Information on Key Tier 1 Applications - Familial Hypercholesterolemia | CDC

More Detailed Information on Key Tier 1 Applications - Familial Hypercholesterolemia | CDC

More Detailed Information on Key Tier 1 Applications - Familial Hypercholesterolemia

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• What is FH and how does it affect the risk for early cardiovascular disease/death?
• What is the Tier 1 recommendation?
• What can be gained through public health action?
• What specifically can/should state and local public health do?

What is FH and how does it affect the risk for early cardiovascular disease/death?

People with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have very high cholesterol levels caused by an inherited genetic condition. High concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood are present from birth and may lead to early development of coronary heart disease (CHD) or atherosclerosis. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern; siblings and children of an individual with FH have a 50% risk of inheriting the predisposing mutation. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, including changes in diet and exercise, are highly recommended in patients with FH. However, lipid-lowering drug therapy is usually also needed in adult patients and more intensive therapy may also be required. For more information about FH, especially about FH Tier 1 applications, please see the FH education outreach section.