Getting insurance after genetic screening on familial hypercholesterolaemia; the need to educate both insurers and the public to increase adherence to national guidelines in The Netherlands.

Abstract

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant inherited metabolic disease with a prevalence of 1 in 500 in most Western countries. People with FH experience an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and excess mortality especially at a young age. Until recently the diagnosis of FH was based on clinical signs and symptoms alone. These included increased cholesterol concentrations, in particular of LDL-cholesterol, in combination with the presence of tendon xanthoma, corneal arcus, xanthelasmata and a history of early CAD. Frequently FH was diagnosed after a first cardiac event.

• Authors: P J Marang-van de Mheen, M C van Maarle, M E A Stouthard
• Journal: Journal of epidemiology and community health (J Epidemiol Community Health) Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 145-7 (Feb 2002) ISSN: 0143-005X [Print] England
• PMID: 11812815 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Genetic Testing (legislation & jurisprudence)
• Guideline Adherence
• Health Education
• Humans
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II (diagnosis, genetics)
• Insurance, Health (legislation & jurisprudence)
• Insurance, Life (legislation & jurisprudence)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Netherlands
• Physical Examination (standards)
• Practice Guidelines as Topic