DLCN score for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)

Powered by Lipid Tools

The guideline for ordering DNA testing (using this request form) is the presence of a confirmed genetic FH variant in the family (first- or second-degree relatives) or in

Adults: with a DLCN score of 6 or higher;
Children and adolescents: 1) LDL > 4.5 mmol or 2) LDL > 3.5 mmol and a parent or grandparent with premature atherosclerotic coronary disease and/or a parent with high cholesterol. (See also Consensus Statement, EAS, 2026).

1 in 300 people has FH

Family members have a 50% chance of having FH

FH is highly treatable

Testing for FH can be done as early as birth

Family members of FH patients can get tested for free

With FH, you can easily get insurance

Elevated Lp(a) is also an important risk factor

Explanation

Explanation of the DLCN Score

The Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) criteria are used to diagnose Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). This score can be used to diagnose “clinical” FH and to identify individuals who are at the highest risk of carrying a pathogenic variant in one of the FH genes (LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9) and for whom genetic testing for FH may therefore be warranted. To correct LDL cholesterol for Lp(a) cholesterol, we use the most recent study² which has shown that approximately 17.3% of Lp(a) mass consists of cholesterol. To convert Lp(a) from nmol/L to mg/dL, we use a conversion factor of 2.4. For more information, see:

* See also: DNA testing – LEEFH