Getting insurance after genetic screening on familial hypercholesterolaemia; the need to educate both insurers and the public to increase adherence to national guidelines in the Netherlands

Journal article (2002)

Authors

P.J. Marang-van de Mheen Universiteit van Amsterdam
Merel C. Van Maarle Universiteit van Amsterdam
Marlies E.A. Stouthard Universiteit van Amsterdam
Affiliation
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Published Date

2002

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant inherited metabolic disease with a prevalence of 1 in 500 in most Western countries. People with FH experience an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and excess mortality especially at a young age. Until recently the diagnosis of FH was based on clinical signs and symptoms alone. These included increased cholesterol concentrations, in particular of LDL-cholesterol, in combination with the presence of tendon xanthoma, corneal arcus, xanthelasmata and a history of early CAD. Frequently FH was diagnosed after a first cardiac event.