Thousands At Risk From Fatal Heart Condition

[herbsandhelpers]

Thousands At Risk From Fatal Heart Condition

Doctors have warned that 100,000 people are at risk from a potentially fatal heart condition.

According to a report from the Royal College of Physicians, the NHS is failing to screen people who may have the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolaemia, or FH.

The disease results in extremely high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Half of men carrying the gene will develop heart disease by the age of 55.

A third of affected women develop heart problems by 60.

But although half a patient's first degree relatives will also carry the gene, the NHS does not routinely carry out testing of families.

Report author Professor Steve Humphries said: "If they are not found, they won't be being given advice and statin treatment.

"They are at very high risk of early heart attacks. A lot of them will die or their hearts will be damaged and they'll need expensive rehabilitation."

The report estimates that 120,000 people in England have the condition, but 85% are undiagnosed.

It says clinics need proper funding to test the brothers, sisters and children of any patient.

Pat Green is typical of those at risk.

Her dad and three brothers all died from heart attacks or strokes while they were still young.

She has also had a heart attack - and a bypass - and now takes 17 tablets a day to keep her cholesterol under control.

"It just takes over your life," she said.

"My problems started when I was 31. I wasn't feeling well but they didn't think it was my heart because I was so young and a woman.

"If I hadn't pushed it I don't know where I would be."

Source: Sky News