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Examines how life insurance companies responded to improved prognosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with statin treatment in the United Kingdom. The results of a survey of 41 life assurance companies who were asked to assess a fictional proposal for a 20 year policy by applying an excess mortality rating; The follow-up survey to assess the rating before and after statin treatment; Description of the applicant; Finding that underwriters assess risk more realistically, but premiums vary; Suggestion that patients shop for a competitive rate.

This article focuses on a study related to screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) using a novel ECG recording device. AF frequently occurs with no significant symptoms and is associated with a modifiable risk of thromboembolism. The condition is therefore potentially suitable for screening. However, there is uncertainty as to how screening could be performed. The study shows that palmar electrocardiography is an effective method of screening for AF. Only 2% of subjects traces were non-diagnostic.

Discusses a study to determine the prevalence of diagnosed familial hypercholesterolemia and estimate the proportion of cases identified in routine clinical practice. Symptoms and diagnosis; Implications of underdiagnosis; Risk of coronary events associated with early treatment.