Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) & the Genomic Assessment Centre (GAC)
2026/03/30
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition you are born with. It affects how your body removes LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from the bloodstream, causing cholesterol to build up quietly over time. As there are usually no warning signs, FH is often called a “silent condition.”
Without early detection, FH can increase the risk of heart disease or heart attacks, sometimes at a young age. FH is inherited, so if one family member is affected, parents, children, and siblings may be at risk too.
The good news: with early diagnosis and the right treatment, people with FH can reduce their heart risk to near‑normal levels and live long, healthy lives.
Testing is especially important if:
- Your LDL cholesterol is very high (typically ≥ 5.5 mmol/L / ≥ 212 mg/dL)
- A family member has been diagnosed with FH
- A close relative had heart disease early (before 55 in men, 60 in women)
- Your cholesterol is unusually high for your age
- A child shows high cholesterol without a clear cause
Even if you feel completely well, FH can still be present. Testing helps you stay healthy for the long term.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched a nationwide genetic testing programme for FH, offered through Genomic Assessment Centres (GACs) across all healthcare clusters.
At the NUH GAC, you can expect:
- A calm, supportive session with a genetic counsellor
- A review of your health and family history
- A simple blood test that checks three genes linked to FH (LDLR, APOB, PCSK9)
If a genetic change is found, the team will guide you through:
- What your results mean
- Screening for immediate family members (cascade testing)
- Long‑term care planning with your doctor
To be eligible for subsidised FH testing, please be informed that you must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Have an LDL‑C ≥ 5.5 mmol/L (≥ 212 mg/dL)
NUH has started seeing patients under the National FH Programme since 1 Jan 2026.
As part of MOH’s preventive healthcare strategy, the NUH GAC also helps individuals and families understand and manage inherited conditions through:
- Clear explanations about FH and other selected genetic conditions
- Personalised genetic counselling
- Genetic testing for MOH-eligible conditions
For individuals whose genetic concerns are not supported by the NUH GAC, genetic care can still be accessed through the appropriate genetics clinic at NUH or the Paediatric Genetics Clinic, which also provides care for adults.
The MOH Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance (2025) protects individuals undergoing genetic testing under the National FH Programme.
Under this framework:
- Insurers cannot request or use your FH genetic test results (diagnostic or predictive) in underwriting decisions.
You can proceed with confidence, knowing your genetic results are protected.
If your test shows that you have FH, you are not alone, and treatment is effective.
Your care team will help you:
- Start cholesterol‑lowering treatment if needed (e.g. statins)
a. Medications and lifestyle changes can bring cholesterol levels, and heart attack risk, close to normal. - Review lifestyle habits that support long‑term heart health
a. Healthy eating and regular activity may reduce the amount of medication you need.
- Plan follow-up care with cardiologists
- Encourage screening for family members
a. Even young, healthy relatives may have FH and already be at risk without knowing it.
Early treatment makes a meaningful difference. People with FH who start treatment early can live full, normal lifespans.
For Patients
Ask your GP, polyclinic doctor, or specialist for a referral to the NUH Genomic Assessment Centre (GAC). You may also visit:
- National University Polyclinics
- Any CHAS GP
For Clinicians
• NUHS Clinicians: Refer the patients to the GAC via Epic.
• GPs, Polyclinics and External Providers: Email [email protected] for referral details and eligibility guidance.
For more resources on FH and GAC, click
here.
NUH Genomic Assessment Centre (GAC)
Genomics Clinical Services
NUH Medical Centre, Level 9
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119082
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9.00am–5.30pm
Closed on weekends & Public Holidays
Contact Us
Phone: +65 6772 5030
Email: [email protected]
