Luxembourg launches early screening of hypercholesterolaemia in children
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For the first time, Luxembourg will implement an early detection programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), an inherited disease linked to excessively high blood cholesterol levels from birth. From 17 November 2025, every family with a child aged 18 months or older will receive an invitation to the free screening, which is part of a pan-European prevention strategy endorsed by the Prague Declaration 2022.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a disease in which lipid metabolism is disturbed, leading to a build-up of cholesterol in the blood vessels at an early age. Without outward symptoms, HD can cause heart attacks, strokes and even sudden death between the ages of 20 and 40. It is estimated that only 10% of cases are diagnosed in a timely manner, despite the availability of treatments that can significantly reduce the risks.
A peculiarity of SG is its hereditary nature. If the disease is detected in a child, at least one of the parents is also a carrier. In this case, testing and treatment will be offered to the whole family: parents, brothers and sisters. Early diagnosis allows therapy to begin long before complications can occur.
How will the examination be conducted?
- Screening will start in two health centres: Val Fleuri and Esch-Belval (Centre and South of the country).
- In 2026, the medical centre in Ettelbruck will join the programme, covering the North.
- The methodology is simple: a capillary blood test from the finger, a minimally painful procedure. Results and recommendations are given within minutes after the test.
- Parents will be able to discuss the results with their paediatrician at the 6th preventive health check (between 21 and 24 months of the child's life).
- For Luxembourg residents, invitations to the screening will be sent by post. Non-residents will be able to enrol via the MyGuichet.lu platform.
Unlike many genetic pathologies, SG can be successfully controlled if detected in time. International medical consensus is increasingly calling for systematic screening in children, and Luxembourg has become one of the first EU countries to introduce such a programme at the national level.
The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Martine Deprez, and representatives of the medical community emphasise that the introduction of such testing is an investment in the health of the nation, aimed at reducing cardiovascular mortality and raising awareness of silent genetic risks.
