Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service

The familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) service offers diagnosis, treatment and family screening for this inherited condition via the lipid clinics.

What is FH?                                                                                     

• FH is a common genetic inherited condition.
• Causes high cholesterol from birth.
• Leads to early heart disease if left untreated.
• 50% of people with untreated FH will have a heart attack by age 55.
• 12% of heart attacks under 60 years of age caused by FH.
• Life expectancy normal if treated.

High cholesterol leads to a build up of fatty deposits in the arteries, restricting blood flow and ultimately causing a blockage.

 

Key: Patient (P)
        Professional (HCP) 

P- How do I know if I have FH?

• Angina or Heart Attack may be the first symptoms experienced unless high cholesterol is found and treated first.
• Have you had heart disease (under 55 years of age) or high cholesterol?
• Does heart disease (under age 55) or high cholesterol run in your family?
  - High cholesterol does not give you any symptoms.
  - High cholesterol doesn't make you feel unwell.

 

P- What do I do if I think I have FH or it runs in my family?

• See your GP and ask for referral to your local lipid clinic
• If appropriate you will be offered testing for FH
• If you are found to have FH you will be offered treatment which significantly and very quickly reduces your risk for premature heart disease.

 

HCP- When should I consider FH?

• High cholesterol of 7.5 or greater in your patient and
• History of high cholesterol  or ischaemic heart disease in your patient or their family or
• History of heart attacks or heart bypass under the age of 55 in your patient or their family

 

HCP- How do I refer patients?

Refer to the lipid clinic for assessment of FH: