Evaluation of cholesterol lowering treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: a large cross-sectional study in The Netherlands.

Contains fulltext : 88642.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)BACKGROUND: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) is a common autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the LDL-receptor gene that lead to elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c). Robust lowering of LDL-c levels is essential for risk reduction of premature cardiovascular diseases and early death. European and Dutch guidelines recommend to treat LDL-c to plasma levels or=2.5mmol/l, was acceptance of a higher target LDL-c level by the treating physician. An alternative treatment goal of >50% LDL-c reduction, as recommended in the NICE guidelines, was achieved in 47% of patients with an LDL-c >or=2.5mmol/l and not using maximum therapy. CONCLUSION: Only a small proportion of patients with heFH reaches the LDL-c treatment target of