Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia to improve cardiovascular disease risk in South Africa

risk of coronary heart disease. 20 The South African dyslipidaemia guideline consensus statement was updated in 2018, taking into account Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the leading causes of atherosclerosis and an increased risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease. The burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa is high due to the high prevalence of familial hypercholesterolaemia in certain population groups caused by a founder effect. The South African dyslipidaemia guideline consensus statement, updated in 2018, guides clinical decision-making in the primary prevention of hypercholesterolaemia in this heterogenic population with the aim to reduce the overall cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. This mini-review focuses on the genetic basis of hypercholesterolaemia, summarises the South African dyslipidaemia guideline and elaborates on effective treatment in order to reach target LDL cholesterol levels in all South Africans.