Semin Vasc Med 2004; 4(1): 93-95
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-822991
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia in South Africa

Adrian David Marais1 , Jean Catherine Firth1 , Dirk Jacobus Blom1
  • 1Lipidology Division of Internal Medicine and MRC Cape Heart Group, University of Cape Town Health Science Faculty, Observatory, South Africa.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 March 2004 (online)

South Africa, especially the Caucasian part of the population, has one of the highest incidences of familial hypercholesterolemia in the world. The founder effect in this region has led to this high incidence and to a limited number of mutations in the low-density lipoprotein-receptor gene. This chapter describes current situation concerning the management of familial hypercholesterolemia in South Africa.

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Adrian David MaraisM.B.Ch.B. F.C.P.(SA) 

Lipid Laboratory, University of Cape Town Health Science Faculty

Anzio Road, 7925 Observatory, South Africa

Email: dmarais@capeheart.uct.ac.za