What is a common treatment focus for managing familial hypercholesterolemia?

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by extremely high cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The primary treatment focus in managing this condition is the use of statin medications. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, statins can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia.

While lifestyle changes including increasing dietary fiber, cessation of smoking, and increasing physical activity are important components of a comprehensive management strategy for hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular health in general, they are often insufficient on their own for individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia due to the strong genetic component that drives the condition. Thus, while these lifestyle modifications can have positive effects, statin therapy remains central to the treatment protocol for effectively managing the high cholesterol levels associated with this genetic disorder.