Author: Christine Tawtel (Hendricks)
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24 Sept – free lecture on cholesterol and heart health
Read More: 24 Sept – free lecture on cholesterol and heart healthIn support of FH Awareness Day, don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Fiona Stanley Hospital cardiologist, Dr Nick Lan, as he talks about how cholesterol affects your heart and what you can do to keep your heart in tip-top shape. Nick is also a Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia and…
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Xi’s Story
Read More: Xi’s StoryMy FH journey began about 10 years ago in my late twenties when one of my health professionals suggested a cholesterol panel as part of a wellbeing check. My results indicated that my Total Cholesterol was over 10 and my LDL Cholesterol above 7. My GP reviewed my results and gave me a factsheet about…
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Jacqui’s Story
Read More: Jacqui’s StoryHigh cholesterol has been in our family for generations. My Nana had a heart attack at 46, her brother died at 42, my dad has always had elevated cholesterol and my Aunty has high cholesterol too. There was something going on in our family, but we had no idea what. My dad tried for years…
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What is an index case and what is cascade testing?
Read More: What is an index case and what is cascade testing?In the context of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the Index case is the first person in a family branch to be genetically diagnosed with the condition. The genetic test will have revealed the mutation/variant present in one of the four genes that typically cause FH for that person. The Index case’s genetic test is the first…
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Patient advocacy and the PBS
Read More: Patient advocacy and the PBSAbout 3 years ago, I learned that Statins alone were not having an impact on lowering my lifelong burden of LDL cholesterol driven by FH. This was in spite of years of Statin therapy (begun as a young adult), good weight management, a significant exercise regime and a Mediterranean diet. My health clinician recommended that…
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Genetic Health WA: 5-Yr service plan consultation
Read More: Genetic Health WA: 5-Yr service plan consultationFH Australia, as the voice for all Australians living with inherited high cholesterols, is committed to advocating at all levels for the inclusion of FH in the health policy landscape. One of the ways we do this is to provide submissions to consultations or draft service plans in all areas that impact FH. In May…
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Genetic discrimination in life insurance must end!
Read More: Genetic discrimination in life insurance must end!One of the first pieces of advocacy undertaken by FH Australia in 2023 was a response to government consultation on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting. For people living with FH, genetic testing allows for early intervention and presents opportunities for life-saving treatment to prevent coronary heart disease at an early…