Zuhier Awan
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Familial hypercholesterolemia in the Middle East: What have we learned recently?
Biography
Biography: Zuhier Awan
Abstract
Introduction: Th e chronicles of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the Middle East started sixty years ago with the fi rst description of Essential Hypercholesterolemia in numerous Lebanese families by Khachadurian et al in 1962. Later, the fi eld of FH and atherosclerosis expanded exponentially with numerous reports of mutations. FH became the number one cause of genetic Cardio-Vascular Disease (CVD) worldwide. Method & Results: Th rough follow up and close observation of the status of FH in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries have shown a global under reporting, poor management and premature death in obvious genetic FH cases. Furthermore, emergence of the third culprit PCSK9 gene associated with FH by eff orts of Middle Eastern scientists has fl ourished the concept. Finally, surveillance of FH cases had aided in the understanding of the incidence of aortic calcifi cation and the essential role of infl ammation as a neglected marker and target of therapy in these individuals. Conclusion: Eff orts to establish a registry and cascade screening for FH in the MENA countries is undergoing to improve the recognition of cases in the MENA communities, increase awareness of the number one genetic risk for CVD and prevent premature atherosclerosis in FH. Th is registry will positively identify novel FH mutations which will have remarkable implications in the care of FH in this region and the world.
Speaker Presentations