This Topic Minibite from Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS; formerly PRODIGY) covers the detection and management in primary care of adults and children with homozygous or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (or familial primary type IIa hyperlipoproteinaemia).  It is based on the NICE guideline: ‘Identification and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia’ (CG71; August 2008).

The target audience for this Topic Minibite is healthcare professionals working within the NHS in England, and providing first contact or primary health care. Patient information from NHS Direct is intended to be printed and given to people with this condition or their carers.