Disorders of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid physiology is a complex process involving production and metabolism through exogenous, endogenous, and reverse cholesterol transport pathways. Malfunctions in these processes can result in lipid abnormalities that lead to early cardiovascular disease, premature cardiovascular death, and pancreatitis. The causes of these lipid abnormalities can be acquired, most commonly due to obesity, or genetic, as is the case in familial hypercholesterolemia. This chapter discusses normal lipid physiology, general screening guidelines, as well as the diagnosis, presentation, and management of disorders of HDL, LDL, and triglyceride metabolism.