To the Editor A recent article performed cost-effectiveness modeling of youth universal lipid screening to identify and mitigate the approximate 25% sex-pooled risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) before age 40 years in individuals with FH. Most people with FH are undiagnosed until a CHD event occurs.
Detecting FH in childhood allows reduction of LDL-C before irreversible plaques develop and may identify previously undiagnosed older relatives prior to an impending CHD event. Because decades-long trials are not feasible, this study’s model allowed an efficient theoretical evaluation of various youth lipid screening pathways.
However, we have several concerns about this study’s modeling parameters, which, in combination, may have skewed the model so that it does not evaluate the current approach. Using a flawed model to justify abandoning lipid screening would preclude reducing morbidity and mortality for persons with unrecognized FH.
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 21 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Cost-Effectiveness of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood and Early Adulthood.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.