Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary disease that is characterized by elevated levels of LDL-C, premature atherosclerosis and increased early cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is one of the most prevalent hereditary diseases (around 1:300 in most populations) and has been recognized by the WHO as a global health problem.
FH is responsible for approximately 9% of heart attacks in individuals under 65 years of age and up to 20% of heart attacks in individuals under 45 years of age. A timely diagnosis and the initiation of effective therapies to reduce LDL-C can significantly delay the onset of cardiovascular events and even normalize life expectancy.