Sex Differences in Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
Marianne KlevmoenJanneke W C M MulderJeanine E Roeters van LennepKirsten B HolvenPublished in: Current atherosclerosis reports (2023)
From childhood onward, total- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in girls are higher than those in boys with FH. By the age of 30 years, women with FH have a higher LDL-C burden than men. In adulthood, women are diagnosed later than men, receive less lipid-lowering treatment, and consequently have higher LDL-C levels. An excessive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk is reported in young female compared to male FH patients. The periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding contribute to treatment loss and increased cholesterol burden. Earlier initiation of treatment, especially in girls with FH, and lifelong treatment during all life stages are important. Future research should aim to recruit both women and men, report sex-specific data, and investigate the impact of the female life course on cardiovascular outcomes. Future guidelines should include sex-specific aspects.
Keyphrases
- cardiovascular disease
- type diabetes
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- preterm infants
- low density lipoprotein
- body mass index
- young adults
- chronic kidney disease
- metabolic syndrome
- newly diagnosed
- skeletal muscle
- current status
- coronary artery disease
- pregnant women
- ejection fraction
- combination therapy
- weight loss
- prognostic factors
- physical activity
- cardiovascular events
- data analysis
- early life