Obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: An...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and obesity are significant risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
• The combined impact of FH and obesity on ASCVD risk is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obesity and prevalent ASCVD in individuals with heterozygous FH (HeFH).
• This study utilized data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH).

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of FH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria.
• Included were adults with a possible FH diagnosis (DLCN score ≥3) and available body mass index (BMI) data; homozygous FH individuals were excluded.
• Statistical analysis adjusted for traditional ASCVD risk factors and lipid-lowering medication.

Main Results:

• 1655 HeFH adults were analyzed; 22.4% had obesity and 46.0% were overweight.
• ASCVD risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence increased with BMI.
• Obesity was independently associated with higher odds of established and premature CAD (OR: 1.54 and 1.74, respectively), but not stroke or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Conclusions:

• More than half of adults with HeFH exhibit overweight or obesity.
• Obesity is an independent risk factor for increased CAD prevalence in the HeFH population.