Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Evaluation of coronary risk factors in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

P N Hopkins1, S Stephenson, L L Wu

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA. paul@ucvg.med.utah.edu

The American Journal of Cardiology
|March 7, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Age and gender are key predictors of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). While high LDL cholesterol is central, smaller LDL particles and smoking also increase CAD risk in FH patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and a high risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Predictors of CAD risk in FH patients beyond LDL cholesterol are not fully understood, necessitating comprehensive investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively examine various risk factors for premature CAD in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • To identify key determinants of CAD onset in FH patients beyond elevated LDL cholesterol.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 262 FH patients aged 30 years or older, including 68 with premature CAD, underwent assessment of plasma lipids, carotid intima-media thickness, and other coronary risk factors.
  • Statistical analyses, including odds ratios, were used to determine the significance of various factors in predicting CAD risk.

Main Results:

  • Age and male gender were the most significant predictors of premature CAD in FH patients (men had 5.64 times the risk of women).
  • Cigarette smoking (OR 2.71), smaller LDL particle size (OR 2.60), and elevated white blood cell count were also significant risk factors.
  • Lipoprotein(a) and xanthoma were associated with risk only in very early CAD cases; carotid intima-media thickness was not associated with risk after age correction.

Conclusions:

  • Preventive efforts in FH should primarily focus on managing high LDL cholesterol.
  • While age and gender are critical, smaller LDL particle size and smoking warrant consideration in risk assessment for FH patients.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the role of smaller LDL particles as a risk factor in FH.

More Related Videos

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes10:56

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Published on: September 15, 2018

High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay07:08

High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay

Published on: September 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...