Cholesterol and Lipid Disorders

Managing a lipid disorder often involves eating more low-fat foods. Our doctors and nurse practitioners work with you to improve your diet and eating habits. This approach can help you successfully control your cholesterol and fat levels.

Sometimes initial changes to your food choices aren’t enough. A diet that emphasizes low-glycemic (carbohydrate) foods and focuses on “good” cholesterol and stable blood sugar levels can lead to a healthier metabolism and weight loss. This diet was developed at the Duke Lipid Clinic, where a team of doctors from across Duke specializes in lipid management.

This common medication lowers cholesterol. It blocks the substance that your body needs to produce cholesterol and helps decrease build-up in your arteries. Statins can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by up to 50%.

This cholesterol-lowering medication is used if your body cannot tolerate statin medications or if you need additional treatment. These inhibitors are given as injections every two or four weeks and lower “bad” cholesterol by up to 50%.