Clinical Lipidology is a science related to treatment of diseases, associated with disorders of lipid metabolism.
Lipidologists are the MDs qualified in diagnosing and studying metabolism diseases of various lipoproteins and lipid particles, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, apoB, lp(a).
They are one of the main risk factors in developing and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease, this which can affect one or more vascular areas and even every single artery.
Impaired blood supply of the heart leads to ischemic heart disease / chronic coronary syndrome; acute coronary syndrome - myocardial infarction and unstable angina /.
Affecting the arteries and their blood supply to the brain causes cerebrovascular disease and stroke.
The narrowing or formation of a thrombus in the lower limb arteries - leads to peripheral arterial disease - chronic or acute arterial insufficiency of the limbs /HANK/. PAD
Diagnosis
Examination of the lipid fractions is the first step in diagnosing the disease. A number of tests are also performed to rule out a secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia. The lipidologist as well determines the risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular disease in the future and the target values of lipid particles for each patient.
It is very important to establish the heritable diseases of lipid metabolism, because they hide a high risk of subsequent complications at a young age. For this purpose, various genetic tests can be conducted to confirm the patient diagnosis and of his relatives (children). A therapy started on time and correctly followed, protects from unrolling and complications of atherosclerosis. Different scientific societies recommend that the cholesterol levels examination should begin at early age.
Treatment
Once the condition is diagnosed, the treatment plan usually includes lifestyle changes, control of Modifiable risk factors, and various lipid-lowering medications, if needed.
People refer to a lipidologist when cholesterol-lowering drugs have not reached the target levels. According to American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines, a lipidologist should be sought if treatment fails to improve the cholesterol levels. It is necessary for all patients with a proven atherosclerotic disease - after a heart attack, stroke, narrowing of an artery or with high-lvels in cholesterol and triglyceride levels to visit a lipidologist.
