Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

Programme Brief

FH is an inherited condition which leads to exceptionally high cholesterol levels, often 2 – 4 x those of the general population. There are two types of FH heterozygous (where an individual inherits a faulty gene from only one parent) and homozygous (where the individual inherits a faulty gene from both parents). It is estimated that one in 250 people may have FH in the UK but less than 10% of these people have been diagnosed. This means up to 260,000 people may be living with this condition. With early intervention and careful follow up, the excess coronary heart disease risk and premature mortality associated with FH can be effectively reduced.

Through improved detection, pathway improvement and education support, the project endeavours to support improvements in the number of patients identified and treated for FH through genetic diagnosis in primary care.

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

Programme Brief

Background

National Guidance, Supporting Policies and Contractual Frameworks

Patient Case Finding