Lipid Management

What is it
Lipid management consists of assessment and treatment of abnormalities in blood cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels, that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and other blood vessel diseases.

Why is it done?
Controlling high cholesterol and triglyceride levels is important for prevention of heart disease as well as for prevention of recurrence of heart disease in those who have suffered from an acute heart attack, angina, or have undergone balloon angioplasty/stenting or coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.

Total cholesterol 150-180 mg/dl.
Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dl.
HDL cholesterol More than 45 mg/dl. (males)
More than 55 mg/dl. (females)
LDL cholesterol Less than 100 mg/dl.
VLDL cholesterol Less than 28 mg/dl.

How is it done?

Lipid management is conducted by a team headed by a preventive cardiologist along the support of a nutritionist (dietician), a physiatrist (doctor in physical medicine), and a psychologist (who may be required for motivating a patient to adopt healthy practices that bring down your cholesterol levels).

The preventive cardiologist
(i) Assesses the severity of lipid abnormalities, if any.
(ii) Ascertains the cause of lipid abnormalities.
(iii) Prescribes medicine for lipid lowering, if needed.
(iv) Refers the patient to the nutritionist, physiatrist, or psychologist, as appropriate.
(v) Calls the patient for a follow-up, if necessary.

How to avail it?
Lipid management may be availed by a two step process:

Step 1:
Come for a lipid profile test. This is a blood test, for which, no appointment is needed. Just walk in, overnight fasting, on any working day at 8.30 a.m. and report to biochemistry laboratory and ask for a lipid profile test. If you also have diabetes, a fasting and a post-prandial blood glucose (sugar) should be done concurrently, unless you already have a recent blood sugar report with you. If you wish to have some other tests also (for example a treadmill test or angiography), it is preferable to first make an appointment with Dr. Peeyush . Jain, Head of Department, Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiology, to assess the need and safety for such tests.

Step 2
Make an appointment with Dr. Peeyush Jain to get advice based on your reports. The appointment should be taken for the next day (or any other convenient day) after giving the blood sample for lipid profile. The appointment may be fixed by contacting the appointment desk when you visit for the lipid profile test.

Before
The following preparation is necessary before a lipid profile test:

(i) Have an overnight fast for at least 12 hours before reporting for lipid profile test. Water may be taken during this period but morning tea, coffee, or snacks should be avoided.
(ii) Alcohol should not be taken in past 24 hours.
(iii) Heavy or unusual food should be avoided for one week prior to the test.

You will not be required to stay after giving blood sample unless there are other tests to be performed.

What preparation is needed before the programme?

The following requirements should be met on the day of appointment with the doctor:

(i) Collect your lipid profile report from Report Collection Room (Room 37, Ground Floor, Rehabilitation Centre), before meeting the doctor at the appointed time.
(ii) Take all medicines as per schedule, on the day of appointment, as prescribed earlier.
(iii) There is no need to come fasting on the day of appointment with the doctor, if no further tests are contemplated.

After
Lipid management is a long-term process, that may require 3-6 monthly lipid estimation and visits to the doctor. To enhance the efficacy of medication and dietary measures, the patient may also be required to attend educational sessions or workshops from time to time.