Terms

Search

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

An inherited condition where you have high LDL cholesterol from birth. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

HeFH is a hereditary form of FH in which you have a single gene defect. This often causes your LDL cholesterol to be higher than normal.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

HoFH is very rare. You inherit a gene defect from both parents, which can cause your LDL cholesterol to be extremely high from birth.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs. You get a small amount from your diet, but your liver produces most of it.

Autosomal dominant

With autosomal dominant inheritance, a single error in a single gene is sufficient. Men and women have an equal chance of inheriting the condition, and children often have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

HDL cholesterol helps to clear cholesterol from your blood.

ApoB (apolipoprotein B)

ApoB is a protein on cholesterol particles such as LDL. It shows how many “bad” particles are circulating in your blood.

DNA

DNA is the 'blueprint' of your body. It is found in (almost) every cell and contains hereditary information that you inherit from your parents.

Lp(a)

Lp(a) is an LDL-like cholesterol particle with an extra 'tail'. High Lp(a) is usually inherited and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Statins

Statins are medications that lower your cholesterol. They inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver, thereby reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering medication. It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, which reduces the amount of cholesterol in your blood.

PCSK9 inhibitors

PCSK9 inhibitors are medications that significantly lower LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). They help your liver remove more LDL from the blood.

Bempedoic acid

Bempedoic acid is a cholesterol-lowering medication in tablet form. It reduces cholesterol production in the liver, which can lead to a decrease in (especially) LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats in your blood that serve as an energy reserve. High levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

A protein-fat complex that transports cholesterol through the blood like a 'taxi' to cells that need it for functions such as cell building and hormone production.

«
1
2
»

Terms

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)

Cholesterol

Autosomal dominant

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

ApoB (apolipoprotein B)

DNA

Lp(a)

Statins

Ezetimibe

PCSK9 inhibitors

Bempedoic acid

Triglycerides

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

FH healthcare in the region