Lipid Clinic

Studies show that one of the best ways to prevent a heart attack or stroke is to achieve and maintain cholesterol levels the National Cholesterol Education Program recommends. The Summit Medical Group Lipid Clinic is eager to help you achieve healthy cholesterol goals for a longer, healthier life.

We understand that each person metabolizes cholesterol differently. In addition, lipid abnormalities and lifestyle habits that influence cholesterol levels must be considered individually. For these reasons, the Summit Medical Group Lipid Clinic partners with each of its patients to develop an effective strategy for achieving healthy lipid levels (LDL cholesterol between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL or levels less than 70 mg/dL for people with coronary heart disease or other atherosclerotic disease).

The Summit Medical Group Lipid Clinic is a collaborative practice and includes cardiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and dieticians who work together to help you achieve your cholesterol goals.

Important Cholesterol Facts

• High cholesterol can cause heart disease and stroke
• 62 million Americans (approximately 1 in 5 people in the United States) have cardiovascular disease
• Cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than all forms of cancer combined.
• Approximately 40% of all US women die of cardiovascular disease 
• 75% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke
• Cardiovascular disease often has no warning signs

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Inactive lifestyle
• A man aged 45 years or older
• A woman aged 55 years or older
• A family history of premature heart disease (a male parent or sibling aged less than 55 years, or a female parent or sibling aged less than 65 years)

What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an oily, waxy fat in the bloodstream. Excess cholesterol contributes to heart disease.

There are 2 types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles travel in the blood stream. When it sticks to blood vessel walls, it is known as plaque. Plaque builds up, narrowing arteries and restricting blood flow. An increase in the number of LDL particles (LDL-P) increases the risk for cardiovascular disease
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps your body absorb and expel LDL-C. A higher HDL cholesterol level can help reduce risk for cardiovascular disease

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) LipoProfile^® test can measure LDL particles, including their number and size, to help assess your risk.

Lowering Your Risk
Advanced lipid testing such as LipoMed NMR or VAP cholesterol testing can help assess your risk and allow cardiologists to develop a targeted approach to lowering your risk. In addition, an individualized program that combines a low-fat diet, exercise, counseling, effective cholesterol-lowering medications, and education about healthy lifestyle changes can help you achieve your cholesterol goals.

The Lipid Clinic can help you by:

• Frequently monitoring your cholesterol levels so that your treatment can be adjusted
• Providing ongoing education and motivation to maintain healthy lifestyle changes 
• Providing support for side effects so that you can continue taking your medications as prescribed

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Summit Medical Group Cardiology at 908-277-8712.