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Fighting the FH Battle: Cutting-Edge Treatments for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Published: Feb 19, 2024
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a tough opponent, but modern medicine has powerful weapons to fight it. From pills to injections and even gene therapy, treatments are evolving to give FH patients longer, healthier lives.
Statins: The First Line of Defense
Statins are usually the first treatment doctors try for FH. These pills work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body produces. They're like putting the brakes on a runaway cholesterol factory in your liver. While statins are very effective for many people, those with FH often need additional treatments to reach their cholesterol goals.
Beyond Statins: The Supporting Cast
When statins aren't enough, doctors have several other options. Ezetimibe is a pill that blocks cholesterol absorption in your intestines. PCSK9 inhibitors are powerful injections that boost your body's ability to remove cholesterol from the blood. For severe cases, LDL apheresis acts like a dialysis machine for cholesterol, filtering it directly from your blood.
The Future of FH Treatment
Exciting new treatments are on the horizon for FH. Gene therapy aims to fix the faulty genes causing FH, potentially offering a one-time treatment. Another promising approach uses small interfering RNA (siRNA) to 'turn off' genes that raise cholesterol. These cutting-edge therapies could revolutionize FH treatment in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern treatments can lower cholesterol by 50-80% in most FH patients.
Yes, current treatments need to be continued long-term to maintain benefits.
No, FH usually requires medication, but a healthy lifestyle is still important.
A Brighter Future
With ongoing advances in FH treatment, patients have more hope than ever for managing this challenging condition.
References
- Nordestgaard BG, et al. Eur Heart J 2013; 34:3478.
- Cuchel M, et al. Eur Heart J 2014; 35:2146.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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