The LDL-Apheresis Center is part of the Cholesterol Management Center -- one of 40 centers in the U.S., and the only center in Connecticut, to offer LDL apheresis.
What is LDL Apheresis?
For people who cannot reach their target LDL-cholesterol levels by changes in food, exercise and drug treatment, the addition of LDL-apheresis may be necessary.
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Most people can reduce high levels of “bad” cholesterol – or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – with lifestyle changes such as food modification, exercise and medication. However, for people who are predisposed to high cholesterol levels, adding a drug treatment is sometimes not enough. When maximum diet and drug treatment does not lower the LDL cholesterol, the addition LDL apheresis may be necessary.
How is the Procedure Performed?
LDL-apheresis consists of withdrawing blood from a vein through a needle, usually placed in the arm, and returning blood to the other arm after removal of the bad cholesterol. A candidate for this program is a person with LDL-C of 100 mg/dL or higher and either documented coronary artery disease or documented peripheral artery disease, or a person without heart disease and whose LDL is above 300 mg/dl.
LDL apheresis is also considered now for some patients with LP(a) hyperlipoproteinemia, an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor.
The procedure can take up to four hours and is repeated every two weeks. Patients will need to remain on a diet and continue medication in order to lower their LDL cholesterol. This treatment must be prescribed and conducted by a physician trained in its specific use.