Prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia among the southern Thai population: A preliminary study

Abstract BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disease. The prevalence of FH among the Thai population has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence of FH by using the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) cutoff of the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN), as well as the LDL-C cutoff of the US Make Early Diagnosis to Prevent Early Deaths (MEDPED) criteria.MethodsThis retrospective study used health checkup data from 2015 from the southern Thai population. A total of 1,480 participants (335 males and 1,145 females) aged 18–94-years-old from southern Thailand were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric, demographic, and biochemical data were measured. Additionally, FH was defined by using the DLCN and the US MEDPED criteria.ResultsWith the use of the DLCN, 7 subjects were identified as having probable FH, and the estimated prevalence of FH was 0.47% (1:211). By using the US MEDPED, 6 subjects were identified as having definite FH, and the estimated prevalence of FH was 0.41% (1:247). Most of the subjects with probable FH (71.43%) and definite FH (83.33%), as defined by the DLCN and the US MEDPED, respectively, did not take the lipid-lowering drug.ConclusionsThe prevalence of FH among the population in southern Thailand was between 1:211-1:247. Most FH subjects in Thailand may be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Thus, the early detection and treatment of FH should be implemented to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.