Lipid Disorders/High Cholesterol

The correlation between atherogenesis and asymptomatic lipid disorders (hyperlipoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia) is well documented. Additionally, there is abundant scientific, epidemiologic and clinical evidence that shows that the aggressive treatment of lipid disorders can slow, prevent, or even reverse the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) continues to identify elevated LDL cholesterol as the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy.²⁷

Therapeutic lifestyle changes, such as reduced intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, pharmacologic interventions, and weight management are the most common treatment recommendations.²⁷

For patients unable to effectively manage obesity with diet modification alone, LAGB surgery may help achieve this goal. One published study showed that 36 months after LAGB surgery, 163 patients showed a 65.5% improvement in dyslipidemia, based upon a comparison of medications (type and dosage) prescribed before surgery and at follow-up. Thirty-six months after surgery, their mean BMI had decreased from 45.2l cg/m² to 34.9 kg/m² and their mean %EWL was 47%.¹⁸

In another published study, 179 patients who had LAGB surgery lost a mean %EWL of 45.7 (+/- 17.1) during the first year and saw major improvements in their hyperlipidemia and a remarkable decline in their medication usage. Weight loss was associated with significant improvements in fasting triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol levels in 50 subjects with diabetes 1 year after LAGB surgery.¹⁷

Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—Hyperlipidemia
Standards of Care—Hyperlipidemia