AUBURN, Maine - Back in February of 2012, MPBN reported a story about a rare genetic disorder that can cause sky high cholesterol and lead to early heart attacks, strokes, and death. The disease is called familial hypercholesterolemia - or FH - and, according to experts, it affects about one in every 500 people. However, because of a genetic anomaly, higher incidents of FH are found in certain population groups, among them Maine's Franco-American community, many of whom live in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Back in 2012, we reported that they're roughly 10 times more likely to contract FH. Well, the situation now looks even worse. Dr. Dervilla McCann is a cardiologist who's been deeply involved in researching the disease, and according to her latest findings, FH is even more widespread than previously thought.