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Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Awareness Amongst Physicians in Mumbai, India
Lakshmi Lavanya Reddy1, Tester F Ashavaid2
1PhD Student, Head Dept. of Lab Medicine, Director- Lab Research, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Insights
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is underdiagnosed in India. General Physicians show limited awareness and knowledge, highlighting the need for improved education and lipid clinic networks to enhance FH patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder impacting LDL-C metabolism.
- Elevated LDL-C significantly increases the risk of atherosclerotic lesions and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
- Early FH detection and treatment improve clinical outcomes, yet the condition remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and clinical practices concerning FH among General Physicians (GPs) in Mumbai.
- To identify gaps in understanding and management of FH within primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey using Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) was administered to 79 GPs.
- The questionnaire assessed familiarity, awareness, clinical knowledge, and opinions on FH services.
Main Results:
- Only 31% of GPs accurately described FH, and 28% knew its prevalence.
- 51% reported moderate to high familiarity, while 46% recognized FH's cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- 80% were uncertain about having FH patients, and treatment knowledge varied (50% statins, 33% statin/ezetimibe).
Conclusions:
- Urgent focus is needed to boost FH awareness and knowledge in India.
- Establishing a network of lipid clinics can significantly improve FH care and clinical practices.
- Enhanced education and accessible specialized care are crucial for better FH management.
Background:
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder affecting low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism. Prolong exposure to elevated LDL-C results in the development of atherosclerotic lesions and a substantially increased risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In contrast, early detection and effective treatment of FH can result in a significant improvement in clinical outcomes. Despite these data, FH remains largely underdiagnosed and untreated.
Objective:
To assess the awareness, knowledge, and clinical practices of FH by General Physicians (GPs) in Mumbai.
Methods:
Physicians were requested to complete a survey comprising Multiple Choice questions (MCQs) on FH. The questionnaire inquired about; familiarity and awareness of the disorder, clinical description, prevalence, inheritance and their opinions on FH clinical services.
Results:
Of the 79 GPs surveyed, 31% of them correctly described FH and only 28% knew about its prevalence. 51% perceived themselves to have an above moderate familiarity with this disorder. 46% of them were aware of the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with FH. 80% of GPs were unsure or unaware of whether they had FH patients under their care. 50% and 33% of physicians identified statins as monotherapy and statin & ezetimibe as a combination therapy for FH respectively.
Conclusion And Interpretation:
Immediate attention should be focused on increasing awareness and knowledge about FH in India. Establishment of lipid clinic network will aid in improving care and clinical practices.
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