What Is Dyslipidemia?
A guide for patients of The Sandusky Dyslipidemia Model clinic
Table of Contents
What Does “Dyslipidemia” Mean?
Dyslipidemia (dis-lip-ih-DEE-me-uh) means that the levels of fats in your blood — called lipids — are not where they should be. This can mean that some fats are too high, some are too low, or both.
When lipid levels are off balance for a long time, fatty material can build up inside your blood vessels. This buildup is called plaque. Over time, plaque narrows your arteries and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems.
The good news is that dyslipidemia is treatable. With the right combination of medications and healthy habits, you can lower your risk significantly.
Understanding the Fats in Your Blood
Your doctor will order blood tests to check your lipid levels. Here is what each test measures:
LDL Cholesterol (“Bad Cholesterol”)
LDL carries cholesterol into your artery walls, where it can build up as plaque. Lower is better. This is the main number your care team will focus on.
HDL Cholesterol (“Good Cholesterol”)
HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. Higher levels are generally better, but there is no medication that raises HDL and prevents heart attacks. A healthy lifestyle (exercise, healthy diet, not smoking) helps keep HDL at a good level.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. Very high levels can cause inflammation of the pancreas (a dangerous condition). Moderately high levels add to your overall heart risk.
Total Cholesterol
This is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. It gives a general picture but is less useful than looking at LDL and HDL separately.
Why Were You Referred to This Clinic?
You were referred to The Sandusky Dyslipidemia Model clinic because your lipid levels need specialized attention. Common reasons for referral include:
- Your LDL cholesterol is very high
- Your cholesterol has not come down enough with the medicines you have tried
- You have had trouble tolerating cholesterol medications (such as statins)
- You have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
- You have had a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related event and need your cholesterol managed more aggressively
- Your doctor suspects an inherited cholesterol condition
What Will Happen at Your Visit?
Your First Visit (About 40 Minutes)
- A nurse will take your vital signs and go over your medications
- Your provider (a doctor or nurse practitioner) will:
- Ask about your health history and your family’s health history
- Review your lab results and any prior records
- Do a focused physical exam
- Calculate your heart disease risk
- Explain your treatment options
- Before you leave, you will receive:
- A treatment plan
- Lab orders for your next visit
- A follow-up appointment
Follow-Up Visits (About 20 Minutes)
At follow-up visits, your provider will review your updated lab results, check how your medications are working, and make any needed adjustments.
What This Clinic Does and Does Not Do
We Do:
- Evaluate and treat high cholesterol and related lipid problems
- Use advanced blood tests to better understand your risk
- Offer in-house heart calcium scoring (a painless CT scan)
- Help you get approval from your insurance for advanced medications
- Work closely with your primary care doctor
We Do Not:
- Manage diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions (your other doctors handle those)
- Provide diet or nutrition counseling services (we can give general advice and refer you)
- Recommend supplements or over-the-counter “natural” cholesterol remedies
Questions?
Please bring any questions to your next visit. Your care team is here to help you understand your condition and your treatment plan.
For more information, see:
This material is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.