Overview
We offer expert care for patients with inherited (familial or genetic) disorders of lipids/cholesterol levels. These are conditions where lipid levels are either very high or very low. They can be passed down through families and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or problems with other organs. We collaborate with cardiologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, nutrition teams and exercise physiology experts to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may include lifestyle recommendations, genetic testing and counseling, medications and ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when needed.
Our team of specialists also conducts the latest translational and clinical research to advance the field of preventive cardiology.
All of the physicians and advanced nurse practitioners at the center are part of the Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation team in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.
What We Treat
- Very high LDL cholesterol (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and sitosterolemia)
- Low HDL cholesterol (apolipoprotein A-I deficiency)
- Very high HDL cholesterol (hyperbetalipoproteinemia)
- Very high triglyceride levels (familial chylomicronemia syndrome)
All physicians on the Preventive Cardiology team (which includes the Inherited Lipid Disorders Center) can provide care for lipid disorders. These include high triglycerides, high lipoprotein (a), familial combined hyperlipidemia and high LDL cholesterol levels/heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Our Team
Director
Team
Nurse Practitioners:
- Erin Kearns, CNP
- Jenna Dibernardo, CNP
Preventive Cardiology:
- Leslie Cho, MD
- Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD
- Dennis Bruemmer, MD, PhD
- Luke Laffin, MD
- Julie Huang, MD
- Vikas Sunder, MD
- Abhayjit Singh, MD
Our multidisciplinary collaborations include:
Pediatric Hyperlipidemia Clinic:
Cardiovascular Genetics:
- Diane Clements, MS, CGS
- Paul Crawford, MS, CGC
- Joseph Liu, MS, CGC
- Christina Rigelsky, MS, CGC
- Brittany Hansen, MS, CGC
Cardiac Rehabilitation:
- Erik Van Iterson, PhD, MS
- Michael Crawford, MS
Nutrition:
- Julia Zumpano, RD
- Michelle Dodd, RD
To ensure comprehensive preventive and cardiovascular disease care and continued research efforts, we work closely with other experts at Cleveland Clinic, including:
- Center for Blood Pressure Disorders
- Center for Cardiometabolic Health
- Women’s Cardiovascular Center
- C5 Research (Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research)
Appointments
By Phone
To make an appointment, please call toll-free 800.659.7822.
Online
Use our secure online form to submit an appointment request 24/7. Once we receive it, we’ll follow up with you as soon as possible.
Online Second Opinions
Use our secure online form to submit an online second opinion request.
Submit an online second opinion request
Physician Referrals
Call the Referring Physician Hotline 24/7: 855.REFER.123 (855.733.3712)
More info on referrals, transfers and critical care transport
Address
Inherited Lipid Disorders Center
Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute
9500 Euclid Avenue – Desk JB-1
Cleveland, OH 44195
What To Expect
Whether you’re coming from around the corner or around the world, we want you to know what to expect before, during and after your visit with us.
Before your appointment
Please be sure to send us all necessary medical records, including your blood tests, recent physician notes and cardiac testing results before your first appointment.
During your appointment
The first thing we’ll do is review your medical records. Then, you’ll meet with a physician to assess your lipids, risk factors and the presence of any cardiovascular disease.
You may also meet with other experts on our team, like:
- A nutrition specialist to tailor a healthy lifestyle plan
- An exercise physiologist to create an activity program for you
- A genetic counselor to discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing, send genetic testing and interpret the results for you and your physician
Depending on your needs, you may also have other cardiac tests at this appointment.
After your appointment
After reviewing your evaluation, your doctor will talk with you about how to lower your risk and/or improve your current condition. Our physicians will work with other team members to create a personalized program to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. You may only need a single visit with us or you may need more advanced management. If you don’t live close to Cleveland, you may choose to follow up with us through virtual visits, by phone or with our secure message system “MyChart.”
If you have any concerns while reviewing this information, please contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
You may find the following links helpful:
More Information
If you need more information, email the Miller Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute Resource Nurse at HeartCenter@ccf.org or call them at 216.445.9288 or toll-free at 866.289.6911. We’re happy to help you.
Patients
Video Playlist
- What Is Familial Chylomicronemia (High Triglycerides)
- Your Questions About Cholesterol Answered
View more videos on our Online Educational Video page
Listen to the latest episode of the Love Your Heart podcast
Subscribe to Love Your Heart eNews
Healthcare Providers
Watch commentary and discussion of new treatments, guidelines, research and meeting coverage on ConsultQD Live.
Listen to the Cardiac Consult podcast exploring topics of interest to healthcare providers.
Access Tall Rounds® Online & Earn Free CME Credit.
Sign up to receive Cardiac Consult eNewsletter.
Research
For Patients
Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute physicians, surgeons and researchers continue to study new treatments and therapies to improve patient care and outcomes now and into the future.
More information on Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Research
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. They provide hope through the testing of new drugs, new surgical techniques or other treatments before they’re widely available.
We can help you access hundreds of clinical trials across all specialty areas. Our new searchable online trials tool makes identifying treatment opportunities easier than ever.
