Familial Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition (runs in families) that causes high LDL-C. FH is relatively common and treatable. If not treated however, over time it causes heart and blood vessel problems that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Your Health System and the Family Heart Foundation are working together to identify people who are at high risk of having FH. A special computer tool (the FIND-FH program) was used to screen your medical record and determine your risk.

You appear to be at high risk (>70% chance) of having FH. It is important that you get evaluated by an expert, because people with FH who do not get treatment, are more likely to have heart attacks at a younger age and have more difficulties treating high LDL-C due to it being a genetic condition.

Yes and no. If you have FH and do not get treatment your risk of developing heart disease is much higher than normal. The good news is that FH is highly treatable. While you might be a little frightened by this news, it is important to proceed with an expert evaluation to determine if you do have FH and/or another condition that needs treatment. If you want to talk to someone while waiting to get your appointment, you can talk with an expert FH Care Navigator by phone at (844-434-6334).

A single expert medical consultation is highly effective in allowing you to find out if you do or don’t have FH. Sometimes this can be done as a remote tele-consultation (video or phone). You may need to get a blood test to measure your cholesterol.

If you end up having FH, we are confident you can manage it! While it can be complicated at times, there are many resources for helping you manage your cholesterol to a safe level and reduce your risk of heart disease. The Family Heart Foundation is a great place to start with getting information to understand FH and get support emotionally, to find expert physicians who know how to treat FH anywhere in the country and guidance on managing insurance and costs of medications.

Yes, if you have FH, your relatives are at risk of having it too (siblings, parents, and children). But the first step is to get an evaluation and see if you have FH. Your physician can then give you guidance on how to screen other family members at risk.