For Pediatric Patients

FH is a genetic condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad cholesterol”). This puts people, including children, with FH at higher-than-average risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Treatment with lipid-lowering medications are very effective and can reduce this risk by up to 80%.

The TREAT-FH project uses information in your child’s medical record such as health history, family history, and blood tests to see if they could have Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). If you were notified, there is a chance your child could have FH, but it is not certain. An assessment and blood test are needed to determine if they do have FH or not. [Project team – should we say something about the CDC recommendation for screening at young ages? – like the link at the end of this page?]

A physician from DH’s Heart & Vascular Center will call you soon to answer your questions and offer you and your child an appointment with one of our FH specialists. You can also call pediatrics at 603-695-2745 to make your own appointment. Seeing an FH specialist for screening and treatment is important. FH is a very treatable condition, and the sooner treatment is begun the better.

The TREAT-FH project has reserved appointments for patients identified for FH screening, many of these are telehealth appointments so you will not need to travel to the hospital. Depending on how your schedule aligns with the available appointments, our team expects to see patients as soon as possible. [is this true for pediatrics? I know true for Lebanon adults]

During your child’s appointment, one of our FH specialists will review and discuss their medical history and your family history. The provider may run a simple blood test to screen for the condition and to help guide treatment if it is needed. The provider can also give recommendations for whether or not your family members should be screened. [Project Team – add something like: If your child has FH, at least one of their biological parents will have it as well.]

Treatment for FH is centered around reducing the risk of future heart disease, and disease of other blood vessels in the body, which are caused by buildup of cholesterol. Treatment, which is very effective, often involves medications and monitoring of the cholesterol levels. This can help to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other events caused by the high cholesterol levels.

You can reach out directly to our partner, the Family Heart Foundation. The Family Heart Foundation has FH Experts available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at 844-434-6334 or by email at carenavigation@thefhfoundation.org.