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| Familial hypercholesterolaemia: A model of care for Australasia now e-published and in print (Watts et al Athero Suppl 2011; 12(2):221-231) The FH Australasia Network (Australian Atherosclerosis Society) has developed a consensus model of care (MoC) for FH. The MoC is based on clinical experience, expert opinion, published evidence and consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, and has been developed for use primarily by specialist centres intending starting a clinical service for FH. This MoC aims to provide a standardised, high-quality and cost-effective system of care that is likely to have the highest impact on patient outcomes. The MoC for FH is presented as a series of recommendations and algorithms focusing on the standards required for the detection, diagnosis, assessment and management of FH in adults and children. The process involved in cascade screening and risk notification, the backbone for detecting new cases of FH, is detailed. Guidance on treatment is based on risk stratifying patients, management of non-cholesterol risk factors, safe and effective use of statins, and a rational approach to follow-up of patients. Clinical and laboratory recommendations are given for genetic testing. An integrative system for providing best clinical care is described. |
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| March 2012: A/Professor David Sullivan explains... Associate Professor David Sullivan from the Lipid Clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney talks with Norman Swan about the recent warnings about statin medications. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/statins/3868932 In response to the Sydney Morning Herald (March 01 2012) ... Thursday’s front page proclaimed “Thousands at risk”. Together with colleagues in the Australian Atherosclerosis Society, we struggle to provide services to over 35,000 Australians in families who have inherited a very high risk of heart attack and stroke. These problems occur 20 to 40 years sooner in affected family members – a curse that is virtually abolished by statin therapy. Sadly, less than 10% of those affected receive adequate treatment. This is due to the failure of federal and nearly all state health services in Australia to support the strategy of “Family Cascade Screening” which saves money and lives, and which is regarded as a “no-brainer” by competent health systems. The tragedy behind the Herald’s alarmist headline is that it will exacerbate the wasteful problem of non-compliance that undermines efforts to prevent heart attack and stroke. A more informed analysis would have questioned the basis for the FDA’s mention of cognitive impairment based on anecdote when trials have been overwhelmingly neutral (and in some cases,favourable). As a result, high risk patients such as those described above will become unnecessarily alarmed. Who will take responsibility for the heart attacks and strokes that are likely to occur if they stop treatment inappropriately? |
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September 2008: Dr Norman Swan's Cholesterol check
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For all media enquiries re atherosclerosis or FH, please contact Fran Hagon Email: FranHagon.media@gmail.com Mobile +61 405 066 022 |
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