Finding and treating people with familial hypercholesterolemia early to prevent heart disease

Identification Methods, Patient Activation, and Cascade Testing for FH: IMPACT-FH

NIH-funded research Geisinger Clinic · NIH-10792391

This study is looking for ways to help doctors find and treat people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol and can lead to heart problems, so that more families can get diagnosed and stay healthy together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeisinger Clinic NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Danville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10792391 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on identifying individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder that leads to high cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease. The project aims to improve screening methods and patient activation strategies, particularly in primary care settings, to ensure that more people are diagnosed and treated early. By evaluating the costs and sustainability of these screening programs, the research seeks to enhance the implementation of cascade testing, which involves screening family members of diagnosed individuals. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and improve health outcomes for those at risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, particularly those who may have undiagnosed familial hypercholesterolemia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease for many patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in implementing screening programs for familial hypercholesterolemia, but this project aims to adapt and expand those findings to broader primary care settings.

Where this research is happening

Danville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.