Finding and treating people with familial hypercholesterolemia early to prevent heart disease
Official title: Identification Methods, Patient Activation, and Cascade Testing for FH: IMPACT-FH
Funded at Geisinger Clinic · NIH-10792391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Geisinger Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Danville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $796,707 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL148246-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792391 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Geisinger Clinic
Danville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morales Reyes, Ana — Geisinger Clinic
- Study coordinator: Morales Reyes, Ana
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.