FH can usually be detected at birth if a sample of umbilical cord blood
is taken for measurement of LDL cholesterol. Otherwise a clear-cut increase
in cholesterol is apparent by the age of 1 in most instances and persists
throughout life. Clues to the presence of FH in adults include corneal arcus,
xanthelasma and lumps in the tendons on the backs of the hands and Achilles
tendons, called tendon xanthomata. In addition, there is often a strong
family history of premature death from heart disease. The diagnosis of FH
in an individual should always lead to the rest of the family being screened,
and the same applies to a potential husband or wife if a heterozygote is
thinking of getting married.