Earlier identification of any disease means earlier treatment and a greater potential to reduce or prevent untoward events. For persons with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) – which represents one in 250 people of all races and ethnicities – early detection is especially important because when left untreated individuals have a 20-fold increase in early coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, 30% of women by age 60 years and 50% of men by 50 years have a higher risk of a myocardial infarction at younger ages without treatment.

The good news? Early diagnosis and treatment of FH reduces the risk of CAD by 80%. National Cholesterol Education Month – all of September – is the perfect time to double down on screening patients, especially those with a family history of FH or premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. All patients with an LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL, or if you suspect FH, should be referred to a specialist.

CardioSmart's FH Patient Hub is the trusted go-to resource for infographics, action plans, patient video and more to help patients understand and manage their condition, as well as support shared decision-making conversations. Click here to access the Hub and download the free tools.