Genetic risk factors in the development of heart disease: familial hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia.
Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Several risk factors for heart disease are genetically based. Two of these risk factors are familial hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. Effective and relatively inexpensive treatments have been established for these risk factors. This article reviews the genetic basis for familial hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia, presents strategies for diagnosis and treatment, and discusses implications for nursing practice.
LaCharity
L A
LA
College of Nursing and Health, University of Cincinnati, OH 45221-0038, USA.
D005820:Genetic Testing; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology