New pharmacologic treatments for familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemias are a group of genetic disorders that cause high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis and premature coronary heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. women. A major goal in prevention of cardiovascular disease is identification and modification of risk factors. Lomitapide and mipomersen are two new pharmacologic options for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia. Both are indicated as an adjunct for the management of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, along with lipid-lowering medications and diet modification.