Genetic Heart Testing

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a diagnosis that refers to individuals with very significantly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) or “bad cholesterol” and an increased risk of early onset of coronary artery disease if not sufficiently treated.

 

What is Familial hypercholesterolemia?

FH is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol. Left untreated, heart attacks happen in

• 30% of Women by age 60
• 50% of Men by age 50

Finding and treating  FH early REDUCES coronary heart disease risk by about 80%

How do you know if you have Familial hypercholesterolemia?

Signs of FH include:

• LDL-cholesterol levels over 190 mg/dL
• Family health history of early heart attacks or heart disease
• Swollen or painful Achilles tendons
• Bumps around the knuckles, elbows, or knees

Talk to your doctor if you think you could have FH

Find out if your family members have Familial hypercholesterolemia?

• If you have FH, your parents and siblings each have a 50% chance of  having FH
• Your blood relatives should be checked for FH by looking at their cholesterol levels or genetic testing

Is there a Familial hypercholesterolemia test or screening?

You can work with your healthcare provide to determine if a familial hypercholesterolemia Genetic Test is right for you.

Data from Cascade Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia and the Use of Genetic Testing
Knowles, Rader, and Khoury JAMA 2017

How does a genetic heart test work?

Once your provider determines this test is right for you, they can do an in-office or they can order via mail-n sample to meet the needs of the patient. It is a simple process.