OBJECTIVES : Familial Hyperlipidemia (FH) is a genetic condition which significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The study objective was to describe and compare patients’ characteristics and outcomes between FH and non-FH patients.

METHODS : A cross-sectional physician and patient survey was conducted across ten countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia between April 2016 to April 2017 through the Adelphi Dyslipidemia Disease Specific Programme. Participating physicians provided information on patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, dyslipidemia treatment history, prognosis and comorbidities. T-test and Chi-Squared were used to assess statistical significance.

RESULTS : The study included 1,284 physicians, providing data on 8,934 patients; 437 FH and 8,497 non-FH patients treated with lipid lowering therapy. Compared to non-FH patients, FH patients were younger (mean 53 vs 63 years; p<0.0001), though there were no significant differences in gender (56% v 58% male; p=0.38). FH patients had fewer comorbidities on average (1.9 vs 2.5; p<0.0001) and were more likely to be in full-time employment (56% vs 34%; p<0.0001). FH patients had higher current LDL-C level (129 vs 115 mg/dL; p<0.0001), despite being more likely to be fully adherent (67% vs 52%; p<0.0001). FH patients were more likely to have ever had an ACS event (26% vs 19%; p=0.0003), as well as more events on average per person (1.38 vs 1.22; p=0.008). A greater proportion of FH patients (55%) were adjudged as high risk of having a future cardiovascular event compared to non-FH patients (33%) (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS : Although FH patients were younger with fewer comorbidities, they were observed to have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and had elevated LDL-C levels, despite greater adherence. Therefore, FH patients require treatment options which more effectively reduce LDL-C levels and consequent cardiovascular risk; potentially reducing long-term resource use and improving health outcomes.