title: Significant gaps in awareness of familial hypercholesterolemia among physicians in selected Asia-Pacific countries: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by high plasma cholesterol levels and a very high risk of early heart disease. The prevalence of FH is estimated to be at least 1:500, with at least 3.6 million individuals in the Asia-Pacific region.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess awareness, knowledge, and perception of FH among practicing physicians in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physicians from 3 economically developed Asian countries were requested to anonymously complete a structured Internet-based survey regarding FH. This survey sought responses on the clinical description, inheritance, prevalence, cardiovascular disease risk, practices, and opinions on screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 230 physicians surveyed, 47% were aware of the heritability, 27% of the prevalence, and 13% of the risk of cardiovascular disease relating to FH. The majority (70%) perceived themselves to have an above-moderate familiarity with FH. Primary care physicians (59%) and lipid specialists (41%) were perceived as the best providers for caring for FH, including cascade screening services, with a lesser role perceived for cardiologists, endocrinologists, and no significant role for nursing staff. Only 35% of physicians were aware of specialist clinical services for lipid disorders in their geographic area.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extensive education and training programs are required to complement the implementation of region-specific models of care for FH in Asia. Further enhancement of existing lipid services and facilities are also warranted to optimise service models.
authors: School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.
authors: Jing
authors: J
authors: Pang
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Sullivan
authors: Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Mariko
authors: M
authors: Harada-Shiba
authors: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yonghe Cardinal Tien Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
authors: Phillip Y A
authors: PY
authors: Ding
authors: Genzyme, A Sanofi Company, Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors: Sheryl
authors: S
authors: Selvey
authors: Genzyme, A Sanofi Company, Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors: Shariq
authors: S
authors: Ali
authors: School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia; Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Service, Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: gerald.watts@uwa.edu.au.
authors: Gerald F
authors: GF
authors: Watts
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020407:Internet; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol
keywords: Asia; Awareness; Familial hypercholesterolemia; Knowledge; Models of care; Perception; Physicians; Practices