PRESS RELEASE: DNA testing for hereditary high cholesterol is urgent

Amsterdam, May 14, 2018 – Director Manon Houter and cardiologist Dr. Janneke Wittekoek of the LEEFH foundation are launching the PROTECT YOUR HERITAGE campaign today to identify 40,000 people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), or hereditary high cholesterol. Medical Director Dr. Wittekoek explains why this is urgent: "We can now give FH patients an average of 11 extra healthy years of life with a treatment that combines lifestyle changes with the right medication. Diet can reduce cholesterol by 10%. The sooner we start treatment, the greater the health benefits and the chance of a longer life. In addition, calculations show that we save €392 million by identifying an additional 2,000 FH patients per year. This concerns healthcare costs for, for example, hospital admission as a result of a heart attack or stroke. Of the 70,000 people with FH, we have detected 30,000 and are still looking for 40,000. That is why we are launching the campaign: PROTECT YOUR HERITAGE.

The main message of the campaign is: If you have high cholesterol, a family history of cardiovascular disease at a young age, or a family member with FH, seek information and have your blood tested for DNA.

One FH patient can protect not only themselves, but their entire family from cardiovascular disease.

Familial hypercholesterolemiais the most common hereditary metabolic disorder, which can significantly increase the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood. As a result, people with FH are at increased risk of clogged arteries at a young age, which causes cardiovascular disease. FH is a treatable condition, provided it is detected in time. Approximately 70,000 people have FH, which is roughly 1 in 250 Dutch people.

The LEEFH Foundation is the national center of expertise for genetic research into cardiovascular disease. Together with patients and regional experts in hospitals, it is taking action with thePROTECT YOUR GENETIC HERITAGE campaign.

The new campaign consists of:

• Rembrandt-style photo exhibition of doctors and patients with FH and their stories about how cardiovascular disease disrupted their families at a young age
• Magazine PROTECT YOURSELF for people who suspect they may have hereditary high cholesterol or who have a family history of FH, to support them in further investigation and dealing with the condition.
• FH meetings in the regional LEEFH centers of expertise throughout the country, starting on May 16 at the University Medical Center Utrecht and June 22 at the Radboudumc in Nijmegen.
• Familiarize general practitioners, internists, and cardiologists with the importance of screening through the centers of expertise and mailings.
• A conversation starter for families to discuss the topic and indicate how important it is to conduct DNA testing of blood samples.

Special photography and magazine

A special exhibition by photographer Inge Kaagman will be on display during the regional information meetings. Kaagman photographed doctors and patients with FH in a Rembrandt-like style. The photos can also be found in the magazine BESCHERM JE ERFHGOED (Protect Your Inheritance), in which doctors and families explain the condition, how they deal with it, and how it affects their lives. There is also a new discussion card, explaining why and for whom early detection, testing, and treatment are important. More information can be found atwww.leefh.nl.

The magazine can be requested free of charge until July 1, 2018.