Dutch Criteria for Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)

Why Use

FH is underdiagnosed and carries significant mortality risk from cardiac events. The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends that the Dutch Criteria be used to diagnose FH. Alternative diagnostic criteria include US MEDPED and the Simon Broome Diagnostic Criteria . The risk factors in each criteria set are similar, and clinical judgment as well as local practice factors (similarity of target population to study population) should be considered.

When to Use

Patients with suspected familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), including those with elevated cholesterol and/or family history of premature cardiac events.

Formula

Pearls / Pitfalls

Assigns points to risk factors and stratifies likelihood of diagnosis into one of four categories: definite, probable, possible, and unlikely. Requires DNA testing for completeness.

Advice

Consider lifestyle changes, drug therapy, family testing, and other measures to manage FH if diagnosed.

More Information

Score interpretation: Stratification Total Score Definite familial hypercholesterolemia >8 Probable familial hypercholesterolemia 6-8 Possible familial hypercholesterolemia 3-5 Unlikely familial hypercholesterolemia <3