Lipidologist Near MeFresno, CA
Lipidologists are medical professionals who study lipids, or fatty substances, in the blood. They help manage and treat various conditions linked to harmful lipids, such as Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia. These conditions, when left untreated, can lead to a buildup of fatty substances called plaque in the walls of blood vessels. Plaque buildup can block arteries and increase the likelihood of a heart attack or a stroke.
A lipidologist is available at Optimal Medical Group in Fresno and the surrounding area. If you are having problems with high cholesterol or managing your triglyceride levels, a lipidologist can help. Call us at 559-425-1118 today to schedule an appointment or talk to our general practitioner.
What is a Lipidologist?
Lipidology is a medical field dedicated to studying, diagnosing, managing, and treating cholesterol and blood fats. A lipidologist is a certified physician who focuses primarily on treating and managing conditions related to cholesterol and fatty lipids causing harm to the body. The American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL) began in 2009 due to the increasing number of Americans suffering from heart attacks and strokes.
Lipidology is a specialized medical field that requires accreditation from the ABCL. To become a lipidologist , doctors must complete a course in lipid management and pass an exam. To take the exam, the registering doctor must have at least 200 qualifying points to meet the ABCL’s criteria. Points are earned through the following criteria:
- Being a licensed medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) in the U.S. or Canada
- Being board-certified in a field like internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, geriatrics, neurology, or vascular neurology
- Working at least two years in an accredited field or in helping people manage their lipid disorders
Doctors who earn at least 200 points from the above criteria can then apply to take the exam. After completing and passing the exam, they must participate in the ABCL’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program and recertify every 10 years.
Understanding Lipidology
The normal cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dL. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Nearly 94 million U.S. adults aged 20 or older have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, and 28 million adults in the United States have total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL.” High cholesterol and fatty lipids in the blood can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death, and stroke, the fifth leading cause of death. Lipidologists help track these levels and offer treatments and management practices to keep patients’ health on track.
The cardiovascular system is the primary focus of lipidology. However, it is not the only concern of lipidologists; they also focus on other organ systems affected by lipid conditions, such as dyslipidemia. These conditions affect and contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis.
Conditions a Lipidologist Treat
Lipidologists treat a wide variety of conditions concerning the cardiovascular system and other organ systems affected by those conditions. Lipidologists’ core focus is preventing and treating dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by high cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad cholesterol,” contributes to the development of the following conditions:
- Hypercholesterolemia: Too much cholesterol in the blood
- Hyperlipidemia: Too many lipids in the blood
- Hypertriglyceridemia: High levels of triglycerides, another type of fat, in the blood
- Combined hyperlipidemia: High levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
Dyslipidemia can affect other organ systems and lead to the development or severity of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis (or vice versa) when left untreated. The above conditions have been associated with dyslipidemia and its development. A lipidologist can order lab work, test the blood for cholesterol and lipid levels, and then develop the appropriate treatment plan.
Finding a Lipidologist Near You
Patients having difficulty managing their cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be referred to or recommended for a lipidology appointment. Finding a lipidologist may seem challenging; however, the increasing demand for lipidologists has made it much easier for patients seeking treatment. First and foremost, it is important to communicate concerns with a primary care provider, as referrals are the fastest way to receive treatment.
Aside from direct referrals, patients can conduct their own research with terms such as “lipidologist near me” to learn about qualified professionals near them. The Natural Lipid Association offers a site search that enables patients to look for a lipidologist by area, name, and experience. We recommend talking to friends and family who may know a lipidologist and speaking with a lab technician if possible. Optimal Medical Group offers lipidology services and can help patients get the help they need.
Call Us Today!
If you are searching for a “lipidologist near me,” reach out to us today. Do not hesitate to seek help if you struggle with high cholesterol or difficulty managing cholesterol and lipid levels. We can help treat and manage your condition before it worsens or leads to other health complications. Call our office today at 559-425-1118 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipidologists
What is a lipidologist?
A lipidologist is essentially a lipid specialist. They are medical doctors who focus primarily on diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing cholesterol and lipid conditions. Lipidologists also help patients learn to manage their cholesterol to prevent the development of more serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart failure.
How can I find a lipidologist?
Lipidologists are becoming increasingly popular due to the rising number of patients with cardiovascular health problems. You can talk to your primary care doctor to ask for a referral. Some patients may receive a direct referral if their cholesterol or triglyceride levels are too high for long periods of time (as it shows the patient cannot manage them properly). Lastly, patients can do their own research online by searching phrases such as “lipidologist near me.”
How do I know if I need to see a lipidologist?
Patients with high cholesterol and raised or abnormal levels of blood fats, known as lipids, often require further assistance to manage these conditions. Primary care physicians typically screen for these in your yearly bloodwork and may recommend or refer you to a lipidologist. You may also notice certain persisting symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol often shows no symptoms, even in severe cases. It is detected in the blood through lab work. However, patients with high cholesterol may suffer from severe health conditions, such as aortic aneurysms, heart attacks, peripheral artery disease, or stroke, if their cholesterol is left untreated. It is important to get routine bloodwork drawn yearly to prevent such conditions from developing.
How do I know if my triglyceride levels are too high?
A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range. Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L); Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L); High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L); Very high — 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above). Your physician should inform you and help you learn to manage these levels.
Contact Us
Optimal Medical Group is located at 7206 N. Milburn Ave #106 Fresno, CA 93722.
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