Premature coronary atherosclerosis and its relation to familial hypercholesterolemia

ObjectivesTo review the risk factors of premature coronary artery disease and the importance of early detection, screening, and management of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) as a major risk factor of premature atherosclerosis.Data sourcesMedline databases (PubMed and Medscape), as well as all materials available on the internet, were searched. The search was performed on August 2021.Study selectionThe initial search presented 120 articles. The number of studies that met the inclusion criteria was 20. The articles included both sex and diagnosed patients with FH and cardiovascular disease.Data extractionIf the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Data from each eligible study were independently abstracted in duplicate using a data collection form to capture information on study characteristics, interventions, and quantitative results reported for each outcome of interest.Data synthesisSignificant data were collected. Then, a structured review was performed.FindingIn total, 20 potentially relevant publications were included. It was found that patients with FH are at severe risk for premature cardiovascular disease.ConclusionPatients with FH are at severe risk for premature cardiovascular disease and need to be treated early. The biggest difficulty is diagnosing the disorder in the asymptomatic population to commence early treatment.