US (MEDPED) Diagnostic Criteria for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
US diagnostic criteria for FH based on total cholesterol levels adjusted for age and relationship to a known FH proband (Make Early Diagnoses — Prevent Early Deaths programme). Widely used in North America for FH cascade screening.
Score interpretation
Total cholesterol is below the MEDPED cut-off for this age band and family relationship.
→ FH is not diagnosed by MEDPED; use clinical judgement (Dutch Lipid Clinic Network or Simon Broome criteria) if FH is still suspected.
Total cholesterol is at or above the MEDPED cut-off for this age band and family relationship.
→ Refer to a lipid / FH service for confirmation (genetic testing) and cascade testing of relatives.
Interpretation bands for the MEDPED FH Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Williams RR, Hunt SC, Schumacher MC, et al. Diagnosing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia using new practical criteria validated by molecular genetics. Am J Cardiol. 1993;72(2):171–176.
- Williams RR et al. MED-PED: An integrated genetic strategy for preventing early deaths. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1992;382:249–264.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Simvastatin with ezetimibe · HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor + cholesterol absorption inhibitor
- Bempedoic acid with ezetimibe · ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor + cholesterol absorption inhibitor
- Fluorescein Sodium 2% Eye Drops · Diagnostic ophthalmic dye
- Indocyanine Green (Intravitreal Chromovitrectomy) · Diagnostic Dye — Vitreoretinal Surgery / ICG Angiography
- Lissamine Green 1% Eye Drops · Vital Dye — Ocular Surface Staining (Dry Eye Diagnosis)
- Fluorescein sodium · Ophthalmic diagnostic dye
- Peripheral Arterial Disease · NICE NG19 2012 / ESVS 2017
- Carotid Artery Disease · NICE CG68 / ESVS 2018
- Varicose Veins Management · NICE CG168 2013
- Venous Leg Ulcer Management · NICE NG204 2022
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.