Keywords

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, xanthomas

Authors

1. Elkins, J. Casey DNP, NP-C, CLS, FNLA
2. Fruh, Sharon PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Abstract

Abstract: If undiagnosed and untreated, familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. NPs should be familiar with the clinical presentation of this inherited metabolic disease to diagnose patients as early as possible and promptly begin treatment that may include lifestyle changes, statin therapy, and/or nonstatin therapy.