Why Choose Baptist Health for Lipid Management
At Baptist Health, our Lipid Management Program is not just the only organized lipid clinic in the Miami area — it’s one of the most advanced in the region. Our nationally recognized experts specialize in managing complex lipid disorders and are among the few certified clinical lipidologists in Florida. Whether you’re battling dangerously high cholesterol, experiencing statin intolerance, or navigating inherited lipid conditions, we provide a level of specialized care you simply won’t find elsewhere. We use advanced diagnostics, the latest cholesterol-lowering therapies, and personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle medicine with leading-edge pharmacology. Our goal is to not only help you reach your lipid goals but to dramatically lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular complications. At Baptist Health, your heart health is our priority — and we’re with you every step of the way.
If You Struggle With Cholesterol, You’re Not Alone
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who struggles with high cholesterol and high triglycerides, you could be at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. And, if traditional medications can’t lower your numbers, you need specialty care.
At Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, our Lipid Management Program is the area’s lipid care leader. In fact, there are only a few dozen certified clinical lipidologists in the state. Our experts are specially trained to treat a wide range of problems with your lipids — the fats that collect in your blood.
If you can’t tolerate traditional lipid management therapies or have a complex disorder that requires leading-edge care, we’re here to help. As your healthcare partner, we can work with you and your doctor to find a safe, effective treatment so you can reach your lipid number goal.
Our Approach
When you come to our lipid clinic, you get more than a simple prescription for medication. You get a team of partners who check in with you regularly and track your treatment to make sure your numbers are under control and improving.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts includes a clinical lipid specialist, clinical pharmacist and a physician assistant. They work together to monitor your lipid levels routinely and make any changes to your treatment plan if you aren’t meeting your goals. Plus, they coordinate with our nutritionists, exercise physiologists, genetic counselors and other specialists to ensure you’re doing everything you can to stay on target.
Once you’ve reached your goal, we’ll transition you to your primary care physician or cardiologist for long-term lipid management and care.
By the Numbers: Lipidology
Nearly 94 million U.S. adults age 20 or older have total cholesterol levels above the recommended limit.
People with high LDL cholesterol have about twice the risk of heart disease as people with lower levels.
Up to 10% of patients taking statins experience muscle-related side effects, creating a need for advanced lipid care and alternative therapies.
Genetic lipid disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia affect 1 in 250 people — but over 90% go undiagnosed.
Popular Conditions and Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
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Optimal cholesterol levels vary based on your overall cardiovascular risk and medical history.
In general, desirable levels include:
- Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: 50 mg/dL or higher for men and 60 mg/dL or higher for women
- Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL (below 120 mg/dL is considered optimal)
If you have heart disease or multiple risk factors, your LDL goal may be below 70 mg/dL or lower. Your healthcare team can help determine the right targets for you.
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Yes. High cholesterol typically does not cause symptoms.
It can contribute to coronary artery disease, and in many cases, the first sign may be a heart attack or another serious event. Routine cholesterol screening is an important part of preventive care.
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Total cholesterol is calculated using the following formula:
TC = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides ÷ 5)
This calculation may be less accurate when triglyceride levels are very high.
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A heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity can help improve cholesterol levels.
However, some people may not reach their target levels with lifestyle changes alone. Others may not tolerate certain medications or may need additional support.
In these cases, specialized care through a lipid management program may be recommended.
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Cholesterol itself is essential for normal body function.
HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the bloodstream to the liver, where it can be processed and removed. This reduces the likelihood of cholesterol building up in the arteries.
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The Baptist Health Cardiology Difference
Your heart health is our priority. Whether you're managing a condition or looking to prevent one, our expert cardiology team is here to guide you every step of the way. We provide compassionate, personalized care, backed by the latest research and innovative treatments—to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand heart and vascular disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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