LDL apheresis
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is a medical procedure used to lower levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
During LDL apheresis, blood is removed from the patient through a catheter or needle and passed through a machine that separates the LDL cholesterol from the rest of the blood components. The machine then removes the LDL cholesterol before returning the blood to the patient's body. This process helps reduce the overall LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Indications[edit | edit source]
LDL apheresis is typically recommended for individuals with severe hypercholesterolemia that is not well controlled with medications or lifestyle changes. It may also be used for individuals with genetic conditions that cause extremely high LDL cholesterol levels, such as familial hypercholesterolemia.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
LDL apheresis can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It can also be beneficial for individuals who are unable to tolerate cholesterol-lowering medications or who have not achieved their target LDL cholesterol levels through other means.
Risks and Side Effects[edit | edit source]
While LDL apheresis is generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with the procedure. These may include temporary low blood pressure, allergic reactions to the anticoagulant used during the procedure, and bruising or infection at the catheter insertion site.
Follow-Up Care[edit | edit source]
After undergoing LDL apheresis, patients may need to continue with regular monitoring of their cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. It is important to follow a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and take any prescribed medications as directed to maintain optimal cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
