Genetic Lipid Disorders and Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Raising Awareness to Save Lives
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Year 2024Type Reach Awards
- Principal investigator Liam Brunham
- Co-lead(s) Darren Ali, Patient Partner
- Host institution University of British Columbia
- Research location Providence Health Care, St. Paul's Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital Healthy Heart Centre (HHC)
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Team members
- Iulia Iatan, University of British Columbia
- Lubomira Cermakova, St. Pauls Hospital
- Darren Ali, Patient Partner
- Rylan McCallum, University of British Columbia
- Durhane Wong-Rieger, Canadian Organization for Rare Diseases (CORD)
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Partner(s)
Genome BC
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are two of the most common genetic lipid disorders: 1 in 311 Canadians have FH and 1 in 5 have high Lp(a). Affected individuals have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke, but both diseases remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. To improve care, increased awareness through education, engagement and dissemination of research findings is vital. The goal of this event is to organize an Educational Patient Engagement Forum focusing on recent developments in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of FH and high Lp(a), and management in specific populations (Indigenous communities and children). The forum will include lectures by those with lived experiences, clinician-scientists, Indigenous researchers, allied health providers, and an interactive session with patients’ testimonials. FH and Lp(a) Canada Registry members will also discuss identification of individuals with inherited lipid disorders, initiatives and resources for patients and health care professionals. The forum will empower patients to become advocates, increase awareness of these diseases, and recognize the importance of screening for early identification, treatment and heart disease reduction.