First 'FH' screening clinic a success

Thursday 24 October 2019

Guernsey's first screening clinic for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia was a success, with 28 people tested over two days.

FH is a genetic condition that causes high levels of cholesterol and can lead to cardiovascular disease - the leading cause of preventable death in the developed world.

If the condition is identified it can be treated with medication and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease decreases.

Queens Road Medical Practice worked in partnership with the Wessex Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service to set up a three-year programme, which began with the first screening clinic last week.

It aims to identify and treat FH gene carriers in the Bailiwick through a series of free clinics, after being referred by their GP. The test itself involves taking a blood sample which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Pictured: Dr Mat Dorrian (image from Queens Road Medical Practice website).

"The first clinic was a great success," said Dr Mat Dorrian who is leading the programme locally. "We tested 28 individuals who have been referred to the programme because they have high cholesterol, they have had a heart attack or stroke at a young age, they have family history of premature heart disease or other family members have been diagnosed with FH."

Candidates who test positive for the gene will be invited to a follow-up appointment to discuss their results and treatment going forward. As the condition is hereditary, their close family members will also be offered the test.

"Our aim is for this to become the most effective FH screening programme in the world," Mr Dorrian continued. "To achieve this the programme relies on a cascade of testing through families and with Guernsey's close-knit population hopefully it will be possible to easily identify relatives so they can also be tested if they wish."

The genomic screening programme is supported by Butterfield, HSC and the Health Innovation Charitable Trust.

"The FH genomic screening programme is an excellent example of how our connected local community can play a part in providing the most innovative healthcare," said Butterfield's Managing Director, Richard Saunders.

"We're delighted to be part of a programme that will make a measurable impact on health outcomes in the island and we hope that this initiative will make a big difference in the island in the long term."

The next FH screening clinic will be held early next year. 

Pictured top: Dr Mat Dorrian with specialist nurses, Catherine Sherman and Angela Cazeaux.