Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common metabolic genetic
disorder. It is estimated that around 13 million people worldwide have
FH. At the same time, only 25% of FH patients have been diagnosed.
Moreover, these patients are often undertreated. The true prevalence of
FH in Greece is unknown, but it is estimated that there are at least
40,000 FH patients nationwide pointing to a prevalence of 1:250.
Patients with FH are at a high risk for cardiovascular events and death
at an early age. Therefore, prompt detection of these patients is of
pivotal importance in order to implement appropriate preventive measures
at a young age. Patient registries are a powerful tool for recording and
monitoring a disease and promoting clinical practices, thus contributing
to improved outcomes and reduction of healthcare costs. National
registries of FH patients have been a success in the Netherlands, Spain
and Wales. As Greece did not have a national FH registry, the Hellenic
Atherosclerosis Society has organized, established and funded the
Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HELL AS-FH) national registry in
order to promote a better understanding of FH in our country