Lipidology
What is lipidology?
Lipidology is a growing multidisciplinary branch of medicine that deals with disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.
What are Lipids?
Lipids are fat-like substances found in the body. There are different types of lipids, of which cholesterol is the most common. Lipids are used by the body to build cell walls and to store fat in the body. The body needs them in a certain amount, but too high levels can lead to problems.
What does a lipidologist do?
A lipidologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders. The tasks of a lipidologist include the treatment of people who have problems related to cholesterol or other lipid disorders. These include, for example, problems with the amount of lipids in the blood (dyslipidemia). A lipidologist will diagnose a cholesterol-related problem and decide on the appropriate course of action for you.
The lipidologist's goal is to improve the practice of lipid management in clinical medicine, thereby reducing deaths and illnesses related to atherosclerotic disease or diseases associated with clogged or narrowed arteries.
Which specialist may use the additional title of lipidologist?
As a lipidologist, Dr. Konstantinou is specially trained to support his patients with metabolic syndrome, evaluation of lipoprotein particles, genetic disorders of cholesterol metabolism, early detection of cardiovascular diseases and much more.
As a lipidologist, one is required to participate in lipidology training.
Dr. Konstantinou is one of the few cardiologists in the Rhine-Main area with the additional qualification in lipidology from the DGFF.
What are the different types of cholesterol?
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol”, and HDL cholesterol, also known as “good cholesterol”. LDL cholesterol is transported from the liver into the blood vessels, where it can lead to deposits in the blood vessels. This can lead to a number of complications such as heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
HDL cholesterol moves in the opposite direction, transporting cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver where it can be disposed of.
At what age should you consult a lipidologist?
High cholesterol may not appear until later in life due to lifestyle choices, while some genetic disorders begin much earlier. For example, if one parent has familial hypercholesterolemia (also known as FH), the effects on the child may begin in the womb. The condition is triggered by a gene and affects the way LDL is removed from the body.
In any case, early detection of a lipid problem reduces the rate of complications and helps patients find appropriate treatment more quickly.
Which diseases are included in the specialty of lipidology?
The most common disorder in this field is an excess of lipids in the blood system, also known as hyperlipidemia. A number of lipid disorders are investigated within the scope of lipidology, including
Hypercholesterolemia
hyperglyceridemia
Hypertriglyceridemia
hyperlipoproteinemia
Hyperchylomicronemia
Combined hyperlipidemia
Familial hypercholesterolemia
Diabetes mellitus
What can you expect during your first visit to our lipidology consultation?
During your first visit, we will first carry out a detailed assessment of your risk profile and your family health history.
We will identify all risk factors that could contribute to health problems. Lifestyle also plays a decisive role here.
The first appointment usually includes a physical examination and, if necessary, a blood sample.
Depending on your family and health history and the results of the examination, a diagnostic plan will be drawn up, including a cardiac imaging check with vascular screening.
Treatment of patients with cholesterol-lowering drugs: alternative therapy and a second opinion
We also support you in treating patients who have difficulty taking cholesterol-lowering drugs because they cannot tolerate them, suffer from muscle pain and/or liver problems, among other things.
For these patients, it is still crucial to keep their cholesterol and triglyceride levels low to reduce the risk of them developing the problems associated with high blood lipids.
Do you need a referral for a consultation with one of our medical experts?
Generally not. However, with some health insurance companies you may need a referral from your family doctor. Talk to us about your insurance plan so that the rules of your insurance company can be adhered to. This way you can save money and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Should you see a lipidologist if you are already being treated by a cardiologist?
Cardiologists are doctors who have undergone special training in the treatment of heart disease.
Lipidologists specialize in the examination and treatment of patients with lipid metabolism disorders. This enables heart disease to be prevented.
Combining the specialties of cardiology and lipidology is an optimal constellation for precise diagnostics and efficient treatment plans, especially for patients who already have atherosclerosis. Early treatment can help to prevent a further event and stop the progression of existing deposits in the arteries (plaque).
Cholesterin und Co e.V.
Find out more about familial hypercholesterolemia.
Lipid-Liga
Find out more about the German Lipid-League.
Lipide Info
Find out more about Lipids.