Lipid Clinic
The UCSF Pediatric Lipid Clinic provides complete care for children with lipid disorders, conditions that affect the levels of fats – such as cholesterol and triglyceride – in their blood. Lipid disorders can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), which increases the chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Very high levels of triglycerides can also cause pancreatitis.
Our primary focus is on diagnosing genetic lipid disorders and managing them over time to prevent our young patients from developing heart disease, stroke and pancreatitis. Yet we also care for children with secondary (nongenetic) causes of lipid abnormalities, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Our specialists work with each patient to achieve normal lipid levels through a combination of diet modification, exercise and carefully prescribed lipid-lowering medications.
Since our clinic was established in 1971, we have made major contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of lipid disorders. We continue to be at the forefront of research on lipid disorders and atherosclerosis; some of our studies led to the valuable discovery of certain genes associated with coronary heart disease and stroke.
The Lipid Clinic is a source of training in the diagnosis and management of lipid disorders for residents and fellows in pediatrics, internal medicine, primary care and cardiology, as well as for practicing physicians.
Our locations (5)
Awards & recognition
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One of the nation's best for endocrinology & diabetes care
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Support services
Fetal surgery firsts
The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.
