Lipids
Dr. Wells treats lipid disorders using a combination of medical therapy and lifestyle counseling to give you the best possible prevention and treatment.
Lipids is a term which refers to fatty substances. Normal amounts of these are necessary for normal body function, but when excessive amounts or the wrong types are present, they may lead to blocked arteries which cause heart attacks, strokes, or inadequate blood flow to other organs.
| Normal Levels of Blood Lipids | |||||||||
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| For the most accurate assessment, all these components should be measured after a 12 hour fast |
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Lipids are carried in the blood by proteins known as lipoproteins. These are also important predictors of risk.
ADVANCED LIPID TESTING
The VAP Test
For new patients, those suspected of having lipid abnormalities or those having a strong family history or cardiovascular disease, we use the VAP test (ultracentrifugation) to identify 21 lipid components of blood. Specific therapy can be designed to correct abnormalities.
The Berkeley Heart Lab Test
This is a very complete lipid analysis particularly for those patients with a strong family history of lipid problems, premature heart disease, or suspected genetic abnormalities. We also offer this test to help with designing specific therapies.
Abnormal elevation of one or more of the lipid fractions may be due to:
- Diet
- Heredity
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
The risk of heart disease is markedly increased when LDL cholesterol or Lp(a) is increased. HDL, or good cholesterol, is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. It is especially important to correct abnormal lipids if other risk factors for cardiovascular events are present (smoking, hypertension, heart enlargement, or diabetes).
The Dysmetabolic Syndrome
- Abnormal Lipids (cholesterol and/or triglycerides)
- Abnormal Blood Sugar (Insulin resistance or diabetes)
- Hypertension
- Central Obesity
We have laboratory facilities available to test for all these lipid components. We then design a treatment program directed toward normalization of the pattern present in each patient. We use computer analysis to incorporate your lipid profile into the calculation of your total cardiovascular risk.
Treatment of Abnormal Blood Lipids
- Overweight or diabetic patients will respond to improvement in diet and to weight loss.
- Drugs are available which may be used alone or in combination.
- Drug therapy is tailored to the specific abnormality present in each patient.
For patients who desire advanced lipid testing, we offer a more complete lipid and metabolic profile.
Dr. Wells - Expertise and Experience
Dr. Wells became interested in treating abnormal lipid patterns when it became evident that over half of his patients with hypertension also had hyperlipidemia. He has lectured to numerous physician groups on the proper drug therapy for patients with these abnormalities.
To assist you with evaluating your cardiovascular risk and lipids
www.americanheart.org/cholesterol
www.medlineplus.gov/cholesterol
Please contact us if you suspect you need help managing your lipids:
Email: drwells@bellsouth.net
Phone: 770-934-2585
Dr. Wells’ years of experience as a teacher, writer, lecturer, researcher and practicing physician all contribute to his ability to understand and assist with your medical illness.
