Tests & Treatments for Lipid Metabolism Disorders at University of Colorado Hospital

Lipid Metabolism Disorders: Blood Tests

Blood Tests are used to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Common Treatments for Lipid Metabolism Disorders

Diet

Following a healthy diet that is free of trans fat and reduced in saturated fats is the most important way you can lower your bad cholesterol. Lowering Triglycerides also may require decreasing your weight, alcohol intake, and variably simple sugars. 

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise will help raise your HDL (good) cholesterol level and reduce your risk of coronary artery (heart) disease and heart attack.

Medication

There are a variety of medications your doctor may prescribe when diet and exercise are not effective in lowering cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. These medications must be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

LDL Apheresis

A unique new therapy used with patients whose high cholesterol levels do not respond to diet, exercise and medication. The procedure involves two intravenous (IV) lines, one inserted into each arm.

Blood is drawn from the body through one IV and filtered through a specialized machine that traps and removes the LDL (bad) cholesterol particles. The patient’s blood is then returned to the body through the other IV.