The Thin End

New hope comes today for those with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels, specifically very high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad cholesterol"), in the blood and early cardiovascular disease. Without treatment, the life expectancy of those with familial hypercholesterolemia can be reduced by approximately 15-30 years. However, in people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, life expectancy may only be 20 years or less. Homologous chromosomes come in pairs. One homologous chromosome is inherited from the mother; the other is inherited from the father.  Homozygous refers to a gene that has identical alleles on both homologous chromosomes.   This is why the homozygous condition is particularly rare and can be more severe. HoFH is a rare and more severe form of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition characterized by very hi...