Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay
Published on: September 30, 2025
Low-density lipoprotein apheresis as a treatment option for hyperlipidemia
Puja K Mehta1, Jefferson Baer, Christine Nell
1Division of Cardiology, Center for Heart Disease Prevention, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
High LDL cholesterol drives atherosclerosis. When lifestyle changes and medications fail for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), LDL apheresis offers an effective treatment option to lower cholesterol levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Elevated blood cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is crucial in atherosclerosis development.
- Dyslipidemia is strongly linked to vascular disease, morbidity, and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles, methods, and clinical benefits of LDL apheresis.
- To outline current indications for LDL apheresis in managing dyslipidemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LDL apheresis.
- Analysis of treatment guidelines and clinical data.
Main Results:
- LDL apheresis is an option for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) unresponsive to maximal medical therapy.
- Specific LDL cholesterol thresholds and clinical conditions define eligibility for LDL apheresis in the US.
Conclusions:
- LDL apheresis can be a valuable therapeutic strategy for select patients with severe dyslipidemia, particularly FH.
- Understanding apheresis indications is key for optimizing cardiovascular risk management.
Abstract:
Data support the relevance of blood cholesterol levels, particularly high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. A strong and continuous relationship between dyslipidemia and vascular morbidity and mortality has been established. The initial approach to treating dyslipidemia consists of lifestyle modifications followed by pharmacologic therapy, usually beginning with a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor. Some patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) fail to achieve their LDL goal despite aggressive pharmacologic therapy. In certain cases, LDL apheresis may be an effective therapeutic option. In the United States, LDL apheresis is approved for homozygous FH patients with an LDL cholesterol level >/= 500 mg/dL. For patients with heterozygous FH, LDL apheresis may be offered if their LDL is >/= 300 mg/dL, or >/= 200 mg/dL with known coronary artery disease, despite maximum medical treatment. This review focuses on the principles and methods of LDL apheresis, its potential benefit in clinical care, and its current indications.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures