What is new in the EAS Consensus Statement on FH in children and adolescents

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder characterized by lifelong elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations, which increase the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). FH occurs in two forms: Heterozygous FH (HeFH), affecting approximately 1 in 300 people worldwide, and the rarer Homozygous FH (HoFH), affecting around 1 in 300,000. Individuals with HoFH, if untreated, are at extremely high risk of cardiovascular complications—even in childhood.

The EAS Lipid Clinic Network plays a central role in improving early identification, standardising care, and supporting implementation of evidence-based treatment strategies across countries. Despite clear clinical pathways, FH remains substantially underdiagnosed in children, with fewer than 10% identified in Europe, and treatment often initiated too late to fully prevent early vascular changes.

The updated EAS consensus on FH in children and adolescents is therefore highly relevant to the network, as it provides revised diagnostic criteria, updated LDL-C targets, and practical treatment algorithms for both heterozygous and homozygous FH. Importantly, it emphasises early intervention—sometimes starting from the age of six—and highlights the need for structured transition into adult care.

For the EAS Lipid Clinic Network, this consensus also supports harmonisation of practice across national lipid clinics, strengthens education and awareness activities, and facilitates implementation through local adaptation via national coordinators. By integrating the consensus into clinical practice through webinars and network activities, the LCN can further reduce the gap in diagnosis and improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes in affected children and adolescents.

Learning objectives

The panel’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations on dyslipidaemia will support clinicians, researchers, policymakers, patients, and their families in improving the care of children and adolescents with dyslipidaemia, with a particular focus on timely diagnosis and optimal treatment. Through the LCN nationally tailored webinar format, these recommendations can be adapted to local contexts to facilitate implementation in routine clinical practice.

Upcoming webinars

Below you can find the local webinars planned for 2026. Don’t miss the opportunity to register for these tailor-made and insightful sessions.

Previous webinars available on-demand