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AHN Lipid Clinic

What is a lipid clinic?

High cholesterol, or otherwise disordered cholesterol, is the most important risk factor for the development of plaque and cardiovascular disease. A lipid clinic can diagnose, treat, and manage these various cholesterol disorders. Part of the larger AHN Heart Disease Prevention Program, our specialists at the AHN Lipid Clinic focus on helping patients lower their cholesterol to decrease their risk of developing heart disease. 

The AHN Lipid Clinic may be right for you if:

  • You have family members who have had strokes or heart attacks.
  • You’ve been diagnosed with high triglyceride levels or have peripheral arterial disease with high cholesterol.
  • You've had a heart attack or stroke.
  • Your cholesterol levels don’t improve with treatment.
  • You can’t take medications to lower your cholesterol.
  • You have high cholesterol and want help with lifestyle changes to manage it.
  • You have fatty liver disease and need help managing your cholesterol levels.
  • You have any other concerns about your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Lipid disorders we treat

Our Lipid Clinic focuses on treating a variety of lipid disorders, including:

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels that are too high (also known as “bad” cholesterol).
  • High triglycerides.
  • Genetic lipid disorders.

Cardiology Lipid Clinic treatments

What happens at a lipid clinic?

The AHN Lipid Clinic offers cutting-edge treatments and diagnostics that help you reach your ideal cholesterol levels and lower your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Our advanced cholesterol treatment options and comprehensive lipid testing are all under one roof at Allegheny General Hospital, including:

  • Lab and imaging-based risk assessments for heart disease and stroke.
  • Advanced lipid testing outside of broadly available lipid panels.
  • In-depth genetic testing to diagnose inherited conditions and potential risk factors.
  • Cholesterol medication management based on the latest research.
  • Complementary dietitian access.

What sets the AHN Lipid Clinic apart from other treatment centers?

Our team of board-certified lipidologists uses state-of-the-art technology and specializes in the latest techniques to provide exceptional care for a variety of lipid disorders. We set ourselves apart from other treatment centers by:

  • Providing a focused, comprehensive, and dedicated path to managing complex cholesterol abnormalities.
  • Using the latest evidence-based treatment of acquired and inherited cholesterol conditions.
  • Having access to clinical trials for the latest treatments, especially for rare lipid disorders.
  • Being able to perform specialized genetic testing for inherited lipid disorders.
  • Creating meal plans that support a variety of diets and cuisines while treating specific lipid disorders.
  • Collaborating with our gastroenterology and hepatology specialists to address and treat fatty liver disease.

Meet the AHN Lipid Clinic specialists

Our experts provide a range of lipid disorder treatments focused on helping patients lower their risk of stroke and heart disease. Our team-based approach includes:

  • Pharmacists to help determine the most appropriate medications.
  • Board-certified cardiologists, with additional training and certification in Lipidology, who are experienced in the diagnosis and management of lipid disorders.
  • Exercise physiologists who examine your greater health and wellness goals to create a unique fitness plan.
  • Dietitians who create a personalized meal plan to help improve your cholesterol levels.

To provide the most comprehensive support for our patients, our lipid clinic team collaborates with other medical experts, including:

  • Nephrologists.
  • Radiologists.
  • Neurologists.
  • Endocrinologists.
  • Surgeons.
  • Sleep medicine experts.

At the Allegheny General Hospital Lipid Clinic, you’ll work with:

Indu G Poornima, MD, FACC, FNLA

Indu G Poornima, MD, FACC, FNLA

Director, Section of Cardiovascular Prevention; Board-Certified Lipidologist

Andrew Oehler, MD, FACC

Andrew Oehler, MD, FACC

Board-Certified Lipidologist

How to get care

Whether you're struggling to lower your cholesterol, have fatty liver disease, or need help starting an exercise and diet plan, we're here to help. Our individualized plans help patients get the care they need to diagnose, treat, and manage their lipid disorders.

AHN Lipid Clinic appointments and information

Not yet diagnosed

If you don't have a diagnosis, call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). They will explore all possible causes of your symptoms.

Second opinions

If you're looking for a second opinion, call (412) 359-4744 to contact the Lipid Clinic directly.  

Referrals

If you’ve been diagnosed with or need treatment for a lipid disorder, your doctor may refer you to the Lipid Clinic. You can refer yourself for treatment by calling (412) 359-4744 to directly reach the AHN Cardiovascular Institute.

Before calling, please have your current insurance information and the contact information of your primary care doctor (if you have one) on hand.

You can also complete a short AHN Lipid Clinic Request a Call form to request a call from a Lipid Clinic representative at a later, more convenient time.

Both new and existing patients may call (412) 359-4744 to make an appointment to discuss heart health concerns, schedule an annual cardiac checkup, or refer themselves for treatment at our Lipid Clinic.

AHN Lipid Clinic locations

AHN provides testing and quality care for patients with various lipid disorders at the following locations:

Allegheny General Hospital
AHN Lipid Clinic
320 East North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
GET DIRECTIONS

(412) 359-4744

Lipid Clinic research

AHN Cardiovascular Research Institute

AHN’s Cardiovascular Research Institute is established on more than 100 years of innovation, spanning diverse areas of focus, including research for the latest in heart disease treatments. Our qualified team and Lipid Clinic physicians take pride in utilizing new therapies and tests to help revolutionize care for patients diagnosed with lipid disorders.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are special research opportunities that explore medical treatments, strategies, or devices to ensure they’re safe and effective for humans.

Active clinical trials

By prioritizing research and innovation, our physicians and patients are engaged in more than 100 national and international clinical trials. Participating in these trials gives AHN patients special access to some of the newest potential treatment options for lipid disorders. Participation in clinical trials is based on meeting eligibility criteria.

To express interest in a clinical trial or learn more about research opportunities, check out our active clinical trials.

Lipid Clinic information for health care professionals

Non-AHN providers 

Non-AHN providers can submit a referral online or by calling (844) MD-REFER (844) 637-3337.

Non-AHN providers can use the EpicCare® Link™ platform to view updates on their patients’ care within AHN after the initial referral is completed.

Medical records

If you need access to specific test results or imaging not provided in the EpicCare Link platform, please fill out a medical record request form.

EpicCare® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.


EpicCare® Link™ is a trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.

AHN Cardiovascular Institute appointments and access

Learn more about our appointment options, second opinions, locations, referrals, and resources.