Around 2,000 people in Coventry are living with a treatable heart condition that could kill them at any moment.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia - or FH – is a hereditary condition which attacks the arteries and is striking down people in their 20s.
While still rare, it’s become the most common cause of cardiac death and premature heart attacks in young people – and is entirely preventable if traced through a blood test.
Dr Mike Khan (pictured above), who works at Coventry’s University Hospital, is leading a campaign to raise awareness of FH, and have people come forward to get checked out.
He said: “We must find the missing 2,000 and do everything in our power to avoid a tragic missed opportunity.”
“FH is treatable and the early death and heart attacks and disability which are caused by it entirely preventable.”
“FH is a silent killer, which can only be found and treated by being vigilant. I would strongly urge those with high cholesterol and a family history of problems to ask to be seen by our service.”
The warning signs of FH are: • A history of early heart attacks, angina or death in family members.
• Family members known to have high cholesterol or on treatment for it.
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:54 pm