Lipidology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of disorders of lipids, commonly known as fats, in the blood. That includes Cholesterol, Triglycerides etc., and altered levels of these can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD).
What does a lipidology service do?
A lipidology service offers comprehensive care that includes:
Cardiovascular risk assessment: This is used to predict the probability of developing CVD, such as heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. A complete medical history is performed, family history is reviewed, and risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and weight are assessed. Other examinations will be carried out to assess the patient. These can include, blood tests, physical examination, radiological tests, cardiological function testing etc. They are used to aid us in planning a strategy so as to reduce the cardiovascular risks the patient may have in those moments.
Laboratory tests: Blood tests are ordered to measure levels of total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, Lp(a), Apol B, NON-HDL, and triglycerides.
Diagnosis of dyslipidemia: Alterations in lipid levels are identified, such as hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) or hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides).
Development of a personalized treatment plan: Recommendations are made on lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, physical activity and weight control. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to control lipid levels. In some cases, because of familial kinds of lipid disorders, family members will have to be informed and investigated.
Monitoring and control: Periodic checks are carried out to evaluate the response to treatment and make adjustments if necessary.
Why is a lipidology service important?
Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels may not present symptoms, but in the long term they can cause serious health problems, such as:
Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack or stroke.
Peripheral arterial disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs, causing pain when walking.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by very high levels of triglycerides.
Who should go to a lipidology service?
It is recommended to go to a lipidology service if:
You have a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
You have cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes or being overweight.
You have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in blood tests.
You have had a previous cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
In summary, a lipidology service plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases by addressing lipid disorders. Through a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment, the aim is to reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life of patients.