Obesity independently associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in those with familial hypercholesterolemia

Obesity is independently associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) among individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), according to a study.

Despite the high prevalence of obesity in this population, its specific impact on ASCVD risk had not been well understood until now.

The study, which included 1655 adults with HeFH, found a considerable proportion of participants had obesity, with over half of them being overweight or obese. The prevalence of ASCVD risk factors, notably CAD, increased progressively with body mass index (BMI).

The prevalence of CAD, including premature CAD, was notably higher in individuals with obesity compared to those with a normal BMI. After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors and lipid-lowering medication, obesity was found to be independently associated with increased odds of both established CAD and premature CAD.

However, no significant association was observed between obesity and stroke or peripheral artery disease in this population.

Reference
Barkas F, Rizos CV, Liamis G, et al. Obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: An analysis from HELLAS-FH registry. J Clin Lipidol. 2024;S1933-2874(24)00005-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2024.01.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38331687.