When should I consider referring a patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia to a specialist for further management?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer a patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) to a specialist with expertise in FH if they are assessed to be at very high risk of a coronary event, which includes having established coronary heart disease (CHD), a family history of premature CHD, or two or more other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, or diabetes .

All adults and children with homozygous FH should be managed in secondary care by a specialist with expertise in FH .

Children and young people with confirmed or suspected FH should be referred to a specialist in children and young people, especially if they have homozygous FH or if lipid-modifying drug therapy is being considered .

Patients with FH who have symptoms or signs of possible coronary heart disease that are not immediately life-threatening should be urgently referred for specialist evaluation .

Patients with FH and symptoms or signs of immediate life-threatening coronary disease, such as acute coronary syndrome, should be referred to hospital as an emergency .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.

When should I consider referring a patient with familial hypercholeste