Jules Payne: Testing for FH could save 10,000 Scottish lives

FH is genetically transmitted, passing on high cholesterol levels to those who are unfortunate enough to inherit the condition. It is especially dangerous to young people, rarely tested for cardiovascular problems, who can unexpectedly suffer a heart attack or other forms of heart disease.

Following a pilot programme coordinated by the Scottish Lipid Forum, we have seen strong evidence that by identifying the condition at an early stage and taking long-term steps to manage FH, young people in families with a history of cardiovascular disease can dramatically reduce the chances of it affecting them in later life.

Not only does this approach have a strong moral and social benefit but carrying out early screenings also comes with a financial rationale.

The conservative estimates compiled in association with Aberdeen University's chemical pathologist William Simpson show that the Scottish NHS can save around 7 million a year by identifying the condition in people at an early age and helping them manage it. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of premature death for FH sufferers and also decrease the need for emergency trauma care. By finding one case of FH, we can often identify several relatives who also have the condition.

I am delighted that the Scottish Government has made a commitment to FH testing in families, but there's still a long way to go before the 10,000 Scots with the condition have been identified. We need to see an ongoing commitment to DNA cascade testing in Scotland, with funding and resources designated for its continuing rollout.

Heart disease is devastating and debilitating. Even those who survive are often left unable to work and have to rely on permanent care for the rest of their lives. If we are serious about addressing this problem, we need to start tackling it proactively.

• Jules Payne is chief executive of HEART UK