What are lipids?
Lipids are fats in the blood, also known as cholesterol. Having some fats are important for health. They serve as an energy reserve, are the building blocks of cell membranes, regulate hormones, help transmit nerve impulses and transport fat soluable nutrients. However, when present IN EXCESS or IMBALANCE, they can be harmful. Having high cholesterol has been shown to increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke and is linked to many vascular diseases. Research shows that improving cholesterol levels can prevent or slow the process of plaque buildup, stabilize existing plaque and in some instances reverse what's already there.
There are multiple components of cholesterol, with the most commonly known being LDL ("bad cholesterol"), HDL ("good cholesterol") and Triglycerides.
Whether you consider yourself healthy or have already experienced a serious heart event, our goal is to help you live a longer, healthier life. Improving lipids is one step on that path.
About the Lipid and Heart Prevention Clinic
Your visit starts with lab (ideally drawn beforehand by primary care or a partner cardiologist). You then meet with a Lipidologist--a specialist trained and certified in the diagnosis and treatment of complex lipid disorders. She will take a thorough history and perform a physical exam. Next, she will explain your lipid profile results and formulate a customized plan of action. Recommendations may include drawing more advanced lab, inflammation biomarkers and genetic testing. You may be referred to a dietician. The plan often includes prescription medications. We have stream-lined processes to obtain insurance authorizations for specialty and injectable medications. The visit also includes counseling on additional risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, living a sedentary lifestyle, stress and family history.
If you have not had a heart event, your plan may include diagnostic testing such as a Heartview CT, carotid ultrasound and AAA screening. We use ACC/AHA tools to calculate and inform you of your long term cardiac risk. If you have already suffered a heart event, the Lipid Clinic team will coordinate and collaborate with your current cardiologist.
Which disorders need a Lipidologist?
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia
- High lipoprotein (a)
- Statin intolerance
- Severe hypertriglyceridemia
- Lipid disorders associated with kidney or liver disease
What therapies are offered by the Lipid Clinic?
Counseling on exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation and weight loss.
Medications: There are so many options, we will find the right one for you! These include statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, ezetimibe, omega-3 fatty acids, an ACL inhibitor, PCSK9 inhibitors and small interfering RNA injections.
Oklahoma Heart Hospital is the ONLY facility in the State of Oklahoma to offer LDL apheresis. We use the Kaneka system that has been FDA approved since 1996 as an option for patients with severe, genetic dyslipidemia. It works a lot like dialysis. A patient's blood is pumped through a machine that filters, then selectively removes LDL containing particles.
Meet our provider:
How to schedule an appointment:
In-person visits at Central/North campus
Virtual visits for those elsewhere in the State of Oklahoma
Call (405) 608-3800