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Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Understanding Inherited High Cholesterol

Explore the significance of familial hypercholesterolemia in healthcare with this comprehensive short course from the NHS.

Someone in a lab picking up a test tube of blood.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Understanding Inherited High Cholesterol

  • 6 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

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    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Understand and manage familial hypercholesterolemia for future generations

Unlock the key to understanding and managing familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition causing high cholesterol levels. This online course equips you with essential skills to identify, diagnose, and support patients with FH.

Understand the physiology of familial hypercholesterolemia and clinical criteria

On the first two weeks of this course, you’ll delve into the physiology of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and understand the clinical criteria for identifying this condition.

You’ll discover why FH is considered a significant health priority and learn how healthcare professionals play a crucial role in managing this genetic disorder.

Learn the critical role of family history in diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia

By the second half of this course, you’ll consider family history as a diagnostic tool for FH. You’ll do so by exploring methods to collect pertinent family history information and practise the skill of drawing a family tree.

You’ll understand how family history can reveal risks and aid in managing familial hypercholesterolemia effectively.

You’ll wrap up this course by discussing the principles of consent during genomic testing consultations for FH. You’ll promote ethical practices by learning how to document genomic conversations accurately and ensure patients are well-informed about testing options.

By completing this course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of familial hypercholesterolemia to become a key player in the management of patient interventions for FH.

The course was created with support from Northumbria University and Wessex FH Service (Central & South GMSA).

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Physiology of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) & the clinical criteria for the condition.

    • We are depicting the circulatory system and a close up of a dissected blood vessel with coronary heart disease.

      Introduction to Week 1

      During this first week we will be exploring the signs and symptoms of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and the clinical criteria for diagnosing FH.

    • The front cover of the NHS Long Term Plan

      How the NHS is supporting this priority

      We will explore how the NHS national strategy is supporting FH as a health priority.

    • We are depicting with a dissected vein what coronary heart disease looks like

      What is FH?

      We will explore what causes FH and the signs and symptoms.

    • The front cover of the NICE guidelines for the identification and management of FH

      NICE recommendations for treatment of FH

      During this activity you will be reviewing the NICE recommendations for treatment for FH for adults and paediatrics.

    • A visual showing 3 people with their hands to their heads and question marks floating above them

      Key learning points and preparation for Week 2

      We will review the key learning points from this week, watch a short video which brings together the discussions and take some time to reflect on the video in preparation for week 2.

  • Week 2

    Introducing Genomics: FH Families and Genetics

    • A magnifying glass putting a spotlight on the fact that a genetic test can have implications for the family not just the patient in front of you.

      Introduction to Week 2

      A brief introduction to this weeks topics and the learning outcomes for the week.

    • This is a visual breaking down DNA and a dissection of a cell to shown what is constitutes.

      What is genomics?

      We will be exploring what we mean by genomics and genetic/genomic testing.

    • A breakdown on DNA Structure including sugar phosphate backbone, bases and base pair

      Summary of FH genes

      We will take a look at the genetic mutations which cause FH.

    • A visual outline of a genetic family history - pedigree used to ascertain risks

      Family History and Risk Assessment

      Having explored the causes for FH we will now consider the process to support the genetic/genomic testing to take place.

    • A set of pipettes in a laboratory following the taking of blood

      How is a genetic test done?

      Once consent has been obtained the patient is ready for the genetic test to be carried out - we will explain how this is done.

    • Genetic Health Fact - some serious conditions are caused by a change to a single letter of DNA out of 3 billion

      Reflection and preparation for Week 3

      To consolidate the learning from this week and to start to think about the preparations for Week 3.

  • Week 3

    The importance of family history in identifying FH.

    • Introduction to Week 3

      A brief introduction to the topics we will be covering this week and the learning outcomes.

    • Here we are showing the common symbols and lines used in drawing a Genetic Family Tree

      What is a genetic family history?

      In this activity we will be exploring how to take a family history and construct a family tree. We will focus on how genomic assessment can identify those at risk of developing familial hypercholesterolemia.

    • Here we are showing the common symbols and lines used in drawing a Genetic Family Tree

      How to draw a family history

      You will be introduced to the commonly used symbols (the system) for drawing a family history and identify some general questions to you to construct a family history.

    • Showing the outline with blank photos hanging from the branches to depict a Genetic Family Tree

      Reading and interpreting a family tree

      Reading and interpreting a family tree - to support your understanding of how this approach to assessment underpins genomic based care

    • 3 people with their hands to their heads and question marks above them.

      Knowledge and skills required

      We will consider the knowledge and skills involved in collecting a family history and drawing a family tree

  • Week 4

    The principles of consent when discussing genomic testing.

    • We are showing a pair of hands one with 'Yes' written on it and the other with 'No', this is to depict the principles of consenting for a genomic test.

      Introduction to this week's activities

      This is a brief introduction to this week's learning which will outline the principles of informed consent in relation to genomic testing and the implications for practice.

    • We are showing a file entitled informed consent with a stethoscope lay across it.

      The principles of informed consent

      During this activity you will be asked to explore how you define informed consent and what needs to be considered to ensure consent is valid.

    • A word map is being displayed of the various factors to be considered when undertaking informed consent for genomic testing.

      The principles of consent as applied to genomic testing

      Having explored your professional obligations when obtaining informed consent for a patients care and treatment options, we will now begin to explore the principles of consent as applied to genomic testing.

    • Outlines of female and male adult and young female with the list of options pertaining to informed consent.

      The genomic conversation

      Having explored some specific issues to consider when obtaining informed consent for a FH genomic test (and other inherited conditions), we will now examine the the concept of the genomic conversation.

    • 3 people with their hands to their heads and question marks above them.

      What comes next?

      You will be asked to reflect upon the learning from this week and we will share what week 5 will be exploring.

  • Week 5

    Implications/impact of a genomic report for FH.

    • A wheel with Genomics in CVD at the centre with a number of spokes stating what the implications may include, such as family care, lifestyle management, new treatments, risk assessment and prescribing

      Introduction to Week 5 and learning outcomes

      A brief introduction to the topics to be covered during this week and the learning outcomes.

    • A visual of genes and the words 'behind the genes'

      Genetic test results and their implications

      We will explore the possible outcomes of genetic testing for FH and the implications for the patient and their families.

    • A visual showing an unaffected mother and an affected father and implications for their male and female children

      Cascade testing of relatives

      During this activity we explore the process of cascade testing and the considerations when implementing cascade testing in a family.

    • A magnifying glass putting a spotlight on the fact that a genetic test can have implications for the family not just the patient in front of you.

      Practice implications of cascade testing

      Having considered the ethical considered we will now explore what cascade testing means in practice.

    • 3 people with their hands to their heads and question marks above them.

      Reflections and preparations for Week 6

      Let's take some time to reflection on what you have learnt this week and prepare for our final week - the role of cascade testing and support required.

  • Week 6

    The role of cascade testing and support required.

    • A laboratory technician viewing 2 filled test tubes

      Introduction to Week 6 - your final week!

      This is a brief introduction to Week 6, the topics you will be covering and the learning outcomes.

    • A cupped hand holding DNA

      Cascade testing and what this means for patients and healthcare professionals

      In this activity you will explore a number of definitions describing cascade testing and consider what this might mean from a patient and healthcare professionals perspective.

    • The arms of a laboratory technician placing a test tubes into a rack.

      The role of the healthcare professional

      During this activity we will consider the role healthcare professionals have to play in supporting patients and their families as part of the testing process.

    • A framed black board with the word TEST spelt out in white.

      The fundamentals of FH post-course quiz

      At the beginning of this course we asked you to complete a pre course quiz please do take the time to redo the same quiz - correct answers are provided. Have your answers from Week 1 ready to compare - Good luck!

    • A Christmas tree decorated with lots of sparkly lights to celebrate the end of the programme and directing you to the website with a fun game to have a go at.

      Summary and next steps

      Final thoughts to help consolidate the work you have done during this programme and further resources which you may find useful.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Develop improved knowledge and a deeper understanding of FH including the needs of the individual and family diagnosed with this inherited condition.
  • Identify those at risk of FH and provide information and support during the patient journey.
  • Apply the principles of genomic counselling and testing and the implications of genomic results. Describe the role of the multi-disciplinary team and have an awareness of one's own professional responsibilities in the management of patients with FH.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals involved in the identification and care of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, including those in cardiac services, lipid services, primary care, and genetic counselling roles.

Who will you learn with?

Jude  Hayward

I am a GP in Leeds and a GPwSI in Genetics within the Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service. I have a longstanding interest in Genetics Education and Service Development within Primary Care.

Melanie Watson

Lead Consultant Genetic Counsellor for Wessex Clinical Genetics Service and Clinical Lead for the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service. Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Southampton University.

deborah leetham

I am Dr Deborah Leetham and am an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University. I am an adult Nurse with expertise in genomic education in which I have a PhD.

Who developed the course?

NHS England

NHS England

The Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E) directorate of NHS England (NHSE) ensures the NHS in England has a sufficient and inclusive workforce with the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver compassionate high-quality health and care to the people it serves.

NHS North Thames

NHS North Thames

We are one of seven regional services established by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), each responsible for coordinating genomics for part of England. Through the work of the GMS, the NHS will become the first health service in the world to embed genomics into routine care.

NHS North East and Yorkshire Logo

NHS North East and Yorkshire

The North East and Yorkshire NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) brings together regional Clinical Partners, the Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) and the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA) – all working together to improve health and equity of access to genomic tests and treatments for patients in the region.

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  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

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Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 19 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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