Whenever the serum cholesterol levels exceed the levels in the previous Figure, a family history should be collected, looking for high cholesterol levels and CVD in first degree relatives. The presence of FH is higher in individuals with a positive family history of hypercholesterolemia or of premature CAD (ie, onset in men <55 years and in women <65 years).
Cholesterol screening should be considered beginning at age 2 for children with a family history of premature CVD or elevated cholesterol. All individuals should be screened for serum cholesterol levels by age 20, but in the presence of a strong family history of premature CVD or if there is a known family member who is afflicted with FH, especially if that individual is homozygous for FH, then the child should be screened by age 2. J Clin Lipidol. 2011; 5(6).
