Dietary habits are suboptimal in patients referred to lipid clinics on suspicion of familial hypercholesterolaemia

Abstract

Background & aims: Diet and lifestyle are cornerstones in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate dietary habits among adults admitted to lipid clinics on suspicion of FH.

Methods: From September 2020 through November 2021, all patients referred on suspicion of FH to all lipid clinics were invited to participate and 97.4 % (n = 1488) accepted. Information on dietary habits was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire based on a score ranging from 0 to 100.

Results: A total of 1095 subjects were included of whom 5.7 % adhered to a heart-healthy diet. Overall, participants' diets were suboptimal and in particular the intake of fish, fruit, and vegetables was low with a median score of 52 points compared to the recommended heart-healthy 75 points. Women and individuals with a personal history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease showed marginally better adherence to a heart-healthy diet. Notably, intake of fish, fruit, vegetables, and whole-grains were insufficient in all groups.

Conclusion: Most participants referred to lipid clinics on suspicion of FH did not adhere to a heart-healthy diet regardless of history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These findings reinforce the importance of providing and supporting dietary counselling among individuals with hypercholesterolaemia.

Keywords: ASCVD; Dietary habits; Familial hypercholesterolaemia.