Care for Lipid Metabolism Disorders at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Lipid Metabolism Disorders at University of Colorado Hospital?

The University of Colorado Hospital Lipid Clinic is directed by the only doctor team in the Rocky Mountain region with academic training in disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Unique diagnostic and therapeutic options are also available such as LDL Apheresis.

What are Lipid Metabolism Disorders?

Lipids are the fats that are present in your body. The major lipids in the blood stream are:

• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Certain genetic disorders or medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and liver disease can cause dysfunction of your lipid metabolism (your body’s use of lipids). A poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and/or certain medications also can influence you lipid levels.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is carried through your body in lipoproteins (vehicles that move cholesterol and triglycerides through your blood) and is needed to form and repair cells in your body. There are two types of cholesterol.

LDL – Low density cholesterol is considered “bad” cholesterol because when it is too high it causes coronary artery (heart) disease that can lead to heart attack.

HDL – High density cholesterol is considered “good” because it protects against coronary artery disease.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides supply energy for your body. When triglycerides are very high they cause severe inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis. In some patients, high triglycerides also increase the risk for coronary heart disease.