Familial hypercholesterolemia: Why screening, counselling and treatment should be integrated

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic autosomal dominant disorder. FH is the most common hereditary cause of raised serum cholesterol levels and is associated with an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). This disorder is known to have a genetic cause, and effective drug therapies exist for patients with FH. Successful cascade screening, within the framework of a national screening programme, gave the Netherlands an international role as model and pioneer as far as FH detection is concerned. With the ending of this screening programme as of 1 January 2014 the care for FH patients, including screening and counselling has had to be incorporated within the basic Dutch healthcare insurance system. It is essential that detection of FH should continue in as efficient and costeffective a manner as possible. Our proposal is that this detection should be performed and coordinated by those treating patients with FH so that FH screening, counselling and treatment are integrated.