I had two heart attacks several years ago, one caused by Cholesterol plaques and the other by Vasospasm.
Because of my family history and my own high Cholesterol and high Triglyceride issues it was assumed that I had Familial hypercholesterolemia.
I have been seeing a Consultant specialising in Cholesterol issues for two years and have been through the treatment protocol of Statins followed by one of the new PCSK9 inhibitors (Praluent) Unfortunately I can’t tolerate Statins and have reacted very, very, badly to Praluent.
I have subsequently been part of the Genetic Testing project at Great Ormond Street and have discovered that I do not carry any of the known familial hypercholesterolemia genes.
My Consultant has no suggestions as to where we go next apart from risking trying an alternative PCSK9 inhibitor.
Because of the way I reacted to Praluent I am scared to do that (once you inject the drug is in your body for two weeks and I had a very scary reaction to my 5th dose) and now want a second opinion. My GP has agreed that we need to find someone who may be able to advise what else could be causing my high Cholesterol / Triglyceride issues. In that she believes we should be looking for expertise in the most recent developments in the Lipid arena.
Would anyone be able to recommend Consultants we should be approaching? My GP has said she is happy to refer me out of my area (Yorkshire) and I am happy to travel.