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
MEDPED FH assessment: compare patient's TC to age/relation-specific threshold
→ First-degree relative thresholds (mmol/L): <20y = 5.7, 20-29y = 6.2, 30-39y = 6.7, ≥40y = 7.2. Second-degree: +0.5 to each. Third-degree: +1.0. General population: <20y = 7.0, 20-29y = 7.5, 30-39y = 8.0, ≥40y = 8.5. If TC meets/exceeds threshold for patient's age and relationship: FH confirmed by MEDPED. Refer to lipid clinic, begin high-intensity statin, initiate cascade screening, target LDL <2.5 mmol/L, consider PCSK9 inhibitor if targets not met on maximal therapy.
Interpretation bands for the MEDPED FH Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- 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.