Detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia

Detection and screening have been accompanied by active treatment programmes, including initiation of statin treatment in children. As a result, their life expectancy is significantly increasing.

Lessons from the Dutch

This programme is discussed by Dr Peter Lansberg of the Department of Vascular Medicine at the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. 

He is the founder and former Director of the Dutch National FH Cascade Screening Programme.

Adapted from Nordestgaard BG et al., for the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is underdiagnosed and undertreated in the general population: guidance for clinicians to prevent coronary heart disease. Consensus Statement of the European Atherosclerosis Society. Eur Heart J 2013;34:3478–3490.

Dr Lansberg suggests that there are lessons for other countries who are embarking on programmes to improve the future of people with FH.

His message is one of hope if the medical community, governments and patients join forces in a concerted effort to address the condition.

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