Development of a program for identification of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in British Columbia: a model for prevention of coronary disease.
We have developed a targeted approach to identification of high-risk patients in British Columbia, Canada, as an initial strategy for the prevention of coronary disease. Patients with the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia have been identified through the Lipid Clinic. First degree relatives of these persons and subsequently identified individuals will be screened for the presence of hypercholesterolemia. Using this approach, the likelihood of identifying persons at high risk is high, close to 50%. The program will also allow collection of data on factors affecting the expression of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis and their response to therapy. In an effort to establish the infrastructure that would be necessary for identification and management of such patients throughout the province, a Lipid Clinic Outreach Program has been developed. The objective is to provide each community in the province with expertise to manage hyperlipidemia without traveling to a major urban area. With this infrastructure in place, this will serve patients who have premature atherosclerosis due to other causes and will also form the framework for dissemination of heart health policies and programs by different levels of government, voluntary and professional organizations, as well as the private sector. From a targeted family centered pilot program, a broad approach to the prevention of coronary artery disease in this community will be possible.
Hayden
M R
MR
Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Josephson
R
R
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001955:British Columbia; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital