For many individuals with high cholesterol levels, taking cholesterol-lowering medications is a daily ritual that many face. Unfortunately, there is a small percentage of the population for which medication does not help or cannot be tolerated. Having dangerously high cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease, blockages, and strokes. So, with no other options left, how is one supposed to prevent high cholesterol and heart disease?
A new alternative is now available to help individuals who have tried diet, exercise, natural alternatives, and the highest doses of prescription medications to lower their cholesterol levels and see no results. It is estimated that 1 in 300,000 fits into this category. The procedure is referred to cholesterol apheresis, or LDL apheresis, and the results have shown to be promising in the majority of patients so far.
Who Needs This Procedure?
This procedure is for anyone who has exhausted all other options of lowering their cholesterol levels and has an LDL level of above 200 mg/dL with coronary heart disease, or an LDL level of 300 mg/dL without the presence of coronary heart disease. Low density lipoprotein, otherwise known as "bad" cholesterol, remains in the bloodstream and can accumulate on the walls of arteries to cause narrowing and potential blockage of blood flow. This procedure has been around for about four years, but has recently increased popularity due to its effectiveness.Can Anyone Undergo LDL Apheresis?
No, LDL apheresis is not for everyone. This procedure is limited to only individuals who have tried lifestyle modifications and the highest medication dosages possible and see no lowering of their cholesterol levels. The following general LDL cholesterol levels apply:- An LDL level of above 200 mg/dL for individuals with coronary heart disease.
- An LDL level of above 300 mg/dL for individuals without coronary heart disease.
How Does LDL Apheresis Work?
LDL apheresis works very similar to kidney dialysis. A catheter is placed in the patient's arm, where the blood will be drained. The blood is pumped in a machine where the blood plasma will be separated from the rest of the blood. The patient's blood is returned to the body, while the plasma goes through a filtering device that separates LDL (low density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) and Lp(a) (lipoprotein A) from the rest of the plasma. Once these components are separated, the remaining plasma is also returned to the patient's body. Each treatment lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.Are There Any Side Effects?
No serious side effects have been reported with this procedure, but low blood pressure has occurred in small percentage of patients undergoing LDL apheresis.What Are the Pros and Cons to Using LDL Apheresis?
This treatment is highly beneficial in lowering LDL and cholesterol levels. Current studies indicate that LDL levels are lowered up to 80%. Although each treatment costs roughly $2500.00, most insurance carriers will cover this procedure.Unfortunately, because cholesterol, including VLDL, LDL, and Lp(a), is continually made by the liver, cholesterol levels will begin to rise again. Therefore, in order to keep cholesterol levels low, it will be necessary for you to undergo the procedure about every two weeks. Additionally, this treatment is not available everywhere, so you may need to travel to another medical facility in order to receive this treatment.
