Table 1.

Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria for diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Group 1: family history	Points
• First-degree relative with known premature coronary heart disease (CHD) (<55 years for men; <60 years for women)	1
• First-degree relative with known LDL cholesterol 95th percentile by age and gender for country	1
• First-degree relative with tendon xanthoma and/or corneal arcus OR	2
• Child(ren) <18 years with LDL cholesterol >95th percentile by age and gender for country	2
Group 2: clinical history
• Subject has premature CHD (<55 years for men; < 60 years for women)	2
• Subject has premature cerebral or peripheral vascular disease (<55 years for men; <60 years for women)	1
Group 3: physical examination
• Tendon xanthoma	6
• Corneal arcus in a person <45 years	4
Group 4: biochemical results (LDL cholesterol)
• >8.5 mmol/L (>325 mg/dL)	8
• 6.5–8.4 mmol/L (251–325 mg/dL)	5
• 5.0–6.4 mmol/L (191–250 mg/dL)	3
• 4.0–4.9 mmol/L (155–190 mg/dL)	1
Group 5: molecular genetic testing (DNA analysis)
• Causative mutation shown in the LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes	8

With the algorithm, a numerical score can be calculated which predicts the change that a subject has FH. It is only possible to score once per group. The highest applicable can be chosen. “Definite FH” >8 points, “Probable FH” 6–8 points, “Possible FH” 3–5 points