Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in Primary Care: Knowledge and Practices among General Practitioners in Western Australia

Aim To determine general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and practice regarding familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in Western Australia. Method A structured questionnaire was anonymously completed by GPs. Information was sought on awareness and knowledge of FH including, diagnosis, inheritance, prevalence, cardiovascular risk, management practices and opinions on FH screening. Results 191 GPs completed the survey, 62% were familiar with FH, 80% correctly defined PH and 68% identified the typical lipid profile, but only 33% were aware of national guidelines. There were knowledge deficits in prevalence, inheritance, and clinical features of PH, with correct responses in 27%, 45% and 38%, respectively. Most (84%) GPs considered themselves the most effective health professionals to detect PH, with 90% preferring laboratory interpretative commenting to highlight individuals at risk of FH. GPs identified appropriate cholesterol lowering drugs as mono (95%) or combination therapies (74%). Conclusion The majority of GPs considered they were the most effective health practitioners for managing FH and preferred laboratory reports to alert them of possible PH. Although GPs knowledge of cholesterol lowering therapies was good, their awareness of national guidelines, hereditability, prevalence and diagnostic features of FH was suboptimal. Implementing a community model of care for FH requires more extensive GP education.