William Cromwell, MD, FAHA, FNLA

Treatment of lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities is a central feature of clinical practice.  For many patients, clinical risk is known (e.g., very-high or high cardiovascular risk), initial targets of therapy are clear, and options for therapy are straight forward. 

 

However, individual patients frequently present unique challenges at each step in this clinical paradigm.  In such cases, our practice is here to help.

 

The Lipoprotein and Metabolic Disorders Institute (LMDI ), PLLC is a clinical, educational and research organization that addresses the complexities of lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) and lipoprotein (carriers of cholesterol and triglyceride) disorders.  The clinical mission of this practice is to provide a center of excellence for comprehensive evaluation and management of genetic and acquired disorders affecting patients of all ages. 

 

Our patients often have complex problems that need significant time and attention.  Diagnostically, detailed assessment is often needed to identify primary (genetic), secondary (co-morbid), and mixed reasons for a patient's laboratory abnormality.  Use of non-invasive imaging and selected laboratory tests are frequently needed to detect the earliest stages of vascular disease and establish appropriate therapeutic goals.  From a management perspective, minimizing risk for future heart attacks and stroke requires knowledge of plasma lipids and lipoprotein particle numbers to determine the adequacy of therapy.  Often adjustment of treatment is required to reach lipid and particle number goals appropriate for the patient's level of cardiovascular risk.  Finally, challenging decisions regarding therapeutic options in special populations (pediatrics, women, patients with complex medical issues), as well as in patients poorly tolerant of various lipid medications, are commonly encountered.

 

Early detection of cardiovascular disease can lead to powerful preventive measures, including lifestyle modification and medical therapy. Using state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic measures we can help create individualized, integrated care plans designed to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, both now and in the future.

 

LMDI is a practice that is designed to assist providers and patients meet these challenges.