FH is a lipid disorder that leads to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). FH follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. If FH is left untreated, males have a 50% chance of developing CVD before 50 years of age, and women have a 30% chance of developing CVD by 60 years of age. Early diagnosis and treatment of FH reduces the risk of CVD.1
The risk of FH can be assessed using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria (DLCNC; refer to the PDF version of the Red Book appendix 2b ).4
FH assessment should be conducted when an individual presents with:
- clinical features such as xanthomata
- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >4.0 mmol/L or total cholesterol >7.5 mmol/L
- premature CVD or a family history of such (CVD <55 years of age for males and <65 years of age for females).1,2,5