Dr. Francisco Tébar, head of endocrinology at Arrixaca Hospital Murcia, is leading a  clinical trial that can detect high cholesterol levels in genetically prone individuals. Tébar looks for the mutation of the gene, which identifies the disease prior to it manifesting. Many patients suffering from high blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia), often find out too late. Early detection is the only preventive measure for this disease. Twenty percent of the population has already been diagnosed, with 3000 new cases cropping up each year in Murcia alone. Those figures are set to increase because there are thousands of cases that have not yet been detected.

This cutting edge technique will be implemented as standard preventative treatment throughout Murcia, and eventually the whole of Spain.

Currently, Social security only partially covers the cost of medication for family members being treated as a result of pre-diagnosis. This could prove to be very costly if the whole family requires treatment on a monthly basis.

You may wish to contact Tina Tait at The Help and Advice Centre for Spanish Living at Plaza de Segura no 4, Santiago de la Ribera, Murcia 30720

Tel (0034) 96833 6606 or email:

Or visit her website at www.helpcentrespain.com