Heart Clinic

From Initial Diagnosis to Long-Term Heart Care From your first consultation during uncertain moments to
recovery after treatment,
The Heart Clinic stays with you
throughout your heart health journey.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Persistently high LDL cholesterol despite healthy habits may have a genetic cause. Untreated FH can greatly increase early cardiovascular risk, while early diagnosis, treatment, and family screening improve long-term outcomes.

Who should get tested? People with LDL cholesterol at or above 190 mg/dL, a family history of early heart disease, very high cholesterol at a young age, or a need for cardiology evaluation before surgery. The image compares a healthy artery with cholesterol buildup and hyperlipidemia.

Diagnostic Process

Based on your symptoms and risk factors, our specialists select the appropriate tests for accurate diagnosis.

Blood Test: Checks lipid levels including
LDL, HDL, total cholesterol,
and triglycerides.

Physical Examination: Evaluates signs suggestive
of FH, including tendon
or eye xanthomas and
early-onset hypertension.

Family History Review: Reviews family history
of early cardiovascular
disease and high
cholesterol.

Cardiovascular Risk Check: Evaluates atherosclerosis
and risk through ECG,
carotid ultrasound, and
other tests.

Recommended
for Those Who

If any of the following apply to you,
we recommend a cardiovascular evaluation.

Should My Children Be Tested If I Am Diagnosed with FH?: Yes, testing is recommended.
Children of a parent with heterozygous FH have a 50% chance
of inheriting the condition. Early LDL cholesterol screening and management
from childhood can improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Are Statins Necessary Despite Concerns About Side Effects?: Statins are well-established medications used safely in many patients for decades.
Although muscle pain or elevated liver enzymes may occur, these effects can often
be managed through dose adjustment, medication changes, or regular monitoring.
For patients with FH, statins are not only cholesterol-lowering medications
but also an important treatment to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Do not stop medication without consulting your doctor.
Finding the right treatment approach is essential.

Do I Need to Take Statins for Life?: Because FH is an inherited condition that causes persistently high LDL cholesterol,
long-term medication management is often required. Treatment helps control cholesterol levels
and reduce cardiovascular risks rather than eliminate the genetic condition itself.
Starting treatment early and maintaining it consistently can significantly lower the risk
of heart attack and cardiovascular death. Women planning pregnancy may need
to temporarily stop medication and should consult their physician.

Does Familial Hypercholesterolemia Cause Symptoms?: FH usually has no noticeable symptoms and is often discovered during routine health screenings.
Some patients may develop signs such as xanthomas around the eyes or Achilles tendons,
but cardiovascular risk can remain high even without symptoms.

Can Medication Remove Existing Atherosclerosis?: Medication cannot completely remove existing atherosclerosis,
but it can slow progression and help prevent further vascular damage.
The primary goal of treatment is to prevent new damage and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Directions

NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Familial Hypercholesterolemia | THE HEART CLINIC

Heart Clinic

Diagnostic Process

Recommended
for Those Who

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Clinic Hours

Directions

NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Heart Clinic

Diagnostic Process

Recommendedfor Those Who

134 Tongil-ro,Jongno-gu, SeoulNH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Clinic Hours

Recommended
for Those Who

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F