Women with FH who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive are advised to see their lipid specialist as soon as possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It is recommended that women with FH should not take lipid-modifying medications (with the exception of bile acid sequestrants) in the three months prior to conception, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Children with FH are at high risk for developing coronary heart disease (CHD) prematurely. Screening in childhood allows for early, accurate identification of FH and helps a family to be proactive in developing a treatment plan with their child’s lipid specialist.
The National Lipid Association recommends universal screening between ages 9 and 11 years to identify all children with FH. However, screening should occur earlier, in children 2 years of age or older, if there is a positive family history for FH or premature CHD, or other significant heart risk factors.
Children diagnosed with FH typically will begin treatment around the age of 10 years but some may require earlier treatment.
Many pediatric lipid specialists have experience in treating children with FH.
