What is FH?

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a term used to describe a genetic lipid condition that causes high cholesterol. People with FH have an elevated level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly called the “bad cholesterol.” This happens because a genetic mutation affects the way cholesterol is cleared/ recycled by the body. Cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream and as a result, in the walls of the arteries. 

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) presents in two forms: 

  • Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH)  
  • Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH). 

The cholesterol buildup in the artery wall is called plaque, thickening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. This in turn can lead to premature health problems. Those include heart attacks and strokes in young adults and even in children, specifically in HoFH. 

Awareness Day

Uniting for FH Awareness Day on 24th September

At FH Europe Foundation, we use the power of our international patients’ and ambassadors' voices so that everyone understands why they should know about FH, and the difference between high cholesterol and genetically caused high cholesterol.​

Through our international community Network, as well as social media engagement, we will draw attention to this important inherited disorder and encourage everyone to join the movement. And we need your help!​

By sharing important information, we can empower all stakeholders to spread the word about FH.​

We can make a difference for those who may never have heard of this very common cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which runs in families but is undiagnosed in most individuals.​

Why do we need FH Awareness Day?

  • To highlight the difference between high cholesterol and genetic high cholesterol (FH).​
  • Globally 1 in 300 people are estimated to have FH.​
  • This makes an estimated population of over30 million people across the world with FH, yet only 10% have been identified.​
  • If left untreated FH can lead to atherosclerosis, early heart attacks and heart disease (CVD), or stroke, even premature death.​
  • If you have FH, then each first degree relative(parent, sibling, child) has a 50% chance of also inheriting FH.​
  • If both parents have FH there is a 25% chance that their child will have HoFH, the rare and more severe form of FH.​
  • Every minute, a child with FH is born somewhere in the world!
  • So, every doctor should know the disease and its consequences.

Social Media Toolkit

You can download the various resources below:

Resources

You can find further patient friendly content provided in the webinars we have hosted over time regarding FH.

What is Cholesterol?
What is FH?
The role of family and family care in FH
What about FH and pregnancy, breast feeding, and menopause?
First line of treatment in FH
FH early screening saves lives and is cost effective! Is this enough?
Misdiagnosis and Gender Bias in Women with FH
FH Paediatric Screening. WHAT?
Understanding your lab result.

FHEF and EAS joint webinars (eas-society.org)

  • Importance of Measuring Lp(a) in patients with HeFH & HoFH  - Watch Here
  • Access to Treatment for HeFH and HoFH -  Watch Here
  • Genetics in HeFH and HoFH: the latest insights - Watch Here
  • Challenges for Children with FH - Watch Here
  • Screening: experience from cascade screening, universal screening and latest insights on screening on the EU level - Watch Here

Find Your Lipid Specialist

In conjunction with EAS FHSC we have developed a tool to help patients find specialists and support groups across Europe. 

Find Your Nearest Lipid Clinic