Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is ostensibly a simple disorder to treat, but in fact, when you get into it, it’s a complex disorder and best management requires multiple skillsets. Nurses, genetic counsellors, dietitians, cardiologists and of course, general practitioners – they all play key roles in the care of FH individuals. Hence, it is critical that we teach and train healthcare professionals about FH.

Globally, there is a gap in FH care – gap in detection, gap in treatment and a gap in reaching treatment goals. These gaps exist because there are limited resources devoted to preventative medicine. Identification of index cases in high-risk situations, followed by cascade testing of family members, need to be embedded into routine clinical care with adequate resources.  

There is also a lack of awareness about FH in the public. FH is a silent condition, until you develop your first heart attack. Individuals need to insist on having their blood cholesterol routinely checked, especially if there is a family history of elevated cholesterol and early heart disease. Empowering the community with self-advocacy is paramount.