What are Lipids and when should you see a lipid specialist?

Lipids comprise various types of fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides. They occur naturally in the body and form part of the building blocks that make up our cells and protect our nerves. When lipid levels in the blood exceed normal levels, this can lead to problems such as heart disease or stroke. Raised cholesterol is a silent killer and over time it causes thickening and blockage of your arteries to the heart or brain causing a heart attack or Stroke.

Some people have another blood fat called triglycerides that are raised. Very high triglycerides can be life threating causing a condition called pancreatitis.  If triglycerides are raised  in such cases urgent treatment may be necessary to reduce the level through diet and medication

High cholesterol and triglycerides can be caused by poor lifestyle choices, genetic conditions or medical problems such as diabetes. High levels can normally be reduced both by dietary intervention and/or drug treatments. The clinics provide specialist input for the following conditions:

1. Familial hypercholesterolaemia
2. Familial combined hyperlipidaemia
3. Hypertriglyceridemia –

• Type 3 hyperlipidaemia
• Lipoprotein lipase deficiency

4. Statin/ /fibrate intolerance
5. Secondary prevention with uncontrolled risk factors
6. High or Low HDL
7. Support for those who are prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors
8. Hypercholesterolaemia associated with cholestatic liver disease

You may be referred to the lipid specialist by your family doctor or you may initiate a self referral  to the lipid specialist if 

1. A you are found to have  a Total Cholesterol of >7.5 mmols/l with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
2. If you are admitted  admitted to the cardiac unit with a myocardial infarction aged < 50 years
3. If your  relative is identified as having  a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). 
4. If you are discovered to have a  fasting triglycerides of >5 mmols/l
5. If you have been  unable to tolerate 3 statins and/or fibrate due to muscle-related side effects, abnormal liver tests and or  raised muscle enzyme

What to expect from your appointment with a lipid specialist

The Private Lipid Clinic provides access to specialist investigations and treatments along with cardiovascular risk factor management. What to expect when you attend a lipid clinic appointment

When you first arrive at the clinic, one of the clinic nurses will perform your height, weight and blood pressure and ask you to provide a urine sample.

You will be asked various questions pertaining to your lifestyle, medications, medical history and your family history. It is helpful if you could find out some information about your family history before you are coming for your consultation. A clinical examination will be performed.  You may be asked to go to have a blood test (if appropriate).