September 24 is FH Awareness Day

FH Awareness Day was established in 2012 by the Family Heart Foundation to raise awareness of familial hypercholesterolemia worldwide. This annual event is held on September 24th, during National Cholesterol Education Month. Together, we raise our voices to help everyone #KnowFH.

Why it's Important:
Early diagnosis + Early Treatment = Saves Lives

Millions of people around the world do not know that they and their families are at severe risk for early heart disease, heart attacks, and even death. Seven out of ten people born today with familial hypercholesterolemia are undiagnosed. Yet, with early diagnosis and treatment, individuals diagnosed with FH can reduce their risk for heart disease by 70%.

Together we can raise awareness, find every individual with FH, and prevent early heart disease:
• FH is one of the most common genetic condition that causes high cholesterol. It is not caused by the food you eat.
• 1.3 million people in the U.S., and 30 million people worldwide, have FH. Only 30% are diagnosed.
• If left untreated, FH leads to heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and even death in the prime of life.
• 1 in 5 heart attacks in people under 45 are caused by FH.
• FH is a family condition. If you have FH, each of your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
• In many cases, people with FH get misdiagnosed and do not receive the care they need. If you suspect you have FH, please consult your healthcare provider or find a lipid specialist.

Learn more: https://familyheart.org/fh-awareness-day