Clinical characteristics and evaluation of LDL-cholesterol treatment of the Spanish Familial Hypercholesterolemia Longitudinal Cohort Study (SAFEHEART)

2011

Study on LDL-Cholesterol Treatment in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients

Sample size: 1852 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mata Nelva, Alonso Rodrigo, Badimón Lina, Padró Teresa, Fuentes Francisco, Muñiz Ovidio, Perez-Jiménez Francisco, López-Miranda José, Díaz Jose L, Vidal Jose I, Barba A, Piedecausa Mar, Sanchez Juan F, Irigoyen Luis, Guallar Eliseo, Ordovas José M, Mata Pedro

Primary Institution: Fundación Hipercolesterolemia Familiar, Madrid, Spain

Hypothesis

What are the baseline characteristics and the effectiveness of Lipid Lowering Therapy in patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia?

Conclusion

Most patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia are receiving treatment, but many still have high LDL-cholesterol levels and do not meet the optimal treatment goals.

Supporting Evidence

14% of FH patients had cardiovascular disease compared to 3.2% of non-FH subjects.
84% of FH cases were receiving Lipid Lowering Therapy.
Only 3.4% of treated FH patients achieved LDL-c levels under 100 mg/dl.

Takeaway

This study looked at people with a genetic condition that makes their cholesterol high. Even though many are taking medicine to lower their cholesterol, most still have high levels.

Methodology

A cross-sectional analysis of cases recruited in the Spanish FH cohort was performed, collecting demographic, lifestyle, medical, and therapeutic data.