In Canada, the burden of disease is estimated to be approximately 83,500 patients, based on an allele frequency of 1/500. In the province of Quebec, the allele frequency is approximately 1/270 and the number of affected subjects is approximately 29,000. Left untreated, FH men develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the third decade of life and women, in the fourth decade. When identified and treated early, life expectancy is normal.