GPs ‘key’ in diagnosing familial hypercholesterolaemia

Diagnosis as a child brings the most benefit, says lead author of new Australian guidance
Clare Pain
Young boy having blood taken

Diagnosing and treating a child with familial hypercholesterolaemia will add 15 years to their life expectancy on average, according to the lead author of new Australian guidelines on the topic.

But the problem is finding cases — either paediatric or adult — and this is where Australian GPs can play a key role, says Professor Gerald Watts, from the University of WA, who chaired the guideline committee.