Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded $235,500 to the University of California, Irvine on August 1, 2026, under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) to investigate familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) prevalence, underdiagnosis, and undertreatment disparities in the United States through December 31, 2027. The primary deliverable is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis leveraging whole genome sequencing and electronic health record (EHR) data to establish current FH prevalence estimates, identify demographic disparities in diagnosis and treatment rates, and examine the penetrance of FH-associated genetic variants across the U.S. population. This research will produce evidence-based insights into why FH—a genetic condition affecting an estimated 1 in 188 individuals—remains significantly underdiagnosed despite its severe cardiovascular risk profile and the availability of effective LDL-C-lowering therapies.

The grant deliverables are designed to generate actionable findings that will inform policy design and the implementation of precision medicine screening and diagnostic initiatives aimed at improving genetic detection and treatment adoption rates nationally. By documenting the current landscape of FH diagnosis and management across demographic segments, the research product will provide a foundation for future healthcare interventions and awareness campaigns intended to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in affected populations.