When you see a clinician at the Center for Advanced Lipid (Cholesterol) Management, you will have a full team behind you — starting with a cardiologist who is a board-certified lipidologist — to provide you with in-depth, focused prevention and cholesterol management to meet your optimal health goals.
Specialized treatment to:
- Prevent cardiovascular disease
- Achieve optimal cholesterol levels
- Reduce risk levels
High cholesterol levels can pose serious risks. That's why it's especially important for those with a cholesterol imbalance to be seen by a lipid expert for proper assessment and treatment.
“While there are risk factors that are not within our control — such as age or family history — there are many crucial factors that we can influence,” said On Chen, MD, Director, Center for Advanced Lipid (Cholesterol) Management. “Even if you already have cardiovascular disease, it’s not too late to lower your risk. In fact, an effective lipid-lowering treatment plan can be lifesaving.”
The most common reasons to see a lipidologist:
- A cholesterol imbalance, especially if you have high cholesterol levels
- A diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and you have not been able to achieve optimal cholesterol levels
- An intolerance or adverse effects from cholesterol-lowering medications
- A family history of elevated cholesterol or a family history of heart disease diagnosed early in life
- Certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, family history or diabetes, and you are seeking to prevent heart disease
Appointments
(631) 44-HEART
(444-3278)
or request an
appointment
online
Our prevention team — in collaboration with Stony Brook specialists — goes well beyond the basics.
You will meet with a cardiologist with specialized training and certification through the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, and be treated by a team that is well equipped to help solve even the most complex lipid (cholesterol) disorders.
We will work with you to develop a personalized plan to make healthy lifestyle changes, including guidance on nutrition and weight management, to make positive effects on your cholesterol levels.
We perform an in-depth workup of your risk and, in addition to the standard testing panels, we will include a detailed assessment of additional cholesterol particles, inflammatory markers and imaging to allow a thorough understanding of your cardiovascular risk to develop a tailored treatment plan that is suitable for you.
We will evaluate your overall risk, cholesterol levels, tolerance to medication, adjust your regimen and, when necessary, introduce new medication and cutting-edge treatments to overcome adverse effects and reach your cholesterol goals.
We provide genetic testing to clarify your diagnosis and tailor your treatment to target the underlying problem. Screening of family members for the presence of an inherited disease is also provided to help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment to reduce their risk.
Since metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are closely associated with heart disease and high cholesterol, we screen for these disorders and collaborate with endocrinologists and sleep specialists to help manage and reduce additional risks.
At Stony Brook, we are at the forefront of new research that may have the potential to improve the care of patients with heart disease and high cholesterol. For those who fit certain criteria, we can help you find a trial that is right for you.
“Our goal is to provide earlier diagnosis so that our patients can be proactive and prevent premature heart disease,” said Dr. Chen. “As an interventional cardiologist, I treat patients with severe disease and blockages to the heart, and I’d much rather see patients early to be aggressive with prevention. Today, there is so much we can do to get ahead of heart disease.”
"Dr. Chen explained that I have the genetic condition that causes high cholesterol,” says Jodi. Learn more about Jodi's story.
Leading-Edge Research
Our clinicians are not only involved in the “hands-on” treatment but are actively involved in the science of lipids and the role they play in our health and disease — so that we can be on the forefront of bringing the best-in-class knowledge to our patients and community.
Our Lipidology Experts
On Chen, MD, Interventional Cardiologist and Director, Center for Advanced Lipid (Cholesterol) Management; Director, Outpatient Services; Medical Director, Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) and Telemetry, and Director, Cardiogenic Shock Program, is board-certified in clinical lipidology, general cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac MRI, nuclear medicine, echocardiography and vascular imaging.
Tahmid Rahman, MD, Cardiologist and Co-Director, Center for Advanced Lipid (Cholesterol) Management and Associate Director, Quality and Safety in Cardiology, is board-certified in clinical lipidology, general cardiology, nuclear medicine and echocardiography.
Sahana Choudhury, AGPCNP-C, MSN, CMSRN, Adult Cardiology Nurse Practitioner. Her expertise includes cardiology, lipidology and vascular imaging.
Practice Locations
Commack
East Setauket
For more on taking control of your cholesterol, Dr. Chen provides helpful information in this Q&A.
In the News
Nov 16, 2023 Do you know what your non-HDL cholesterol is? This number may be the best way to learn about your cardiovascular risk. Dr. Chen explains.
Put Your Heart Health First
If you are at risk or if someone in your family has a heart condition, it’s important to schedule a visit with a cardiologist for preventive care. Our cardiologists can help you improve your heart health and/or prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease with a comprehensive heart disease risk assessment and treatment options.
Do something good for your own heart health by taking a free heart health assessment now.
Learn hands-only CPR by watching a 60-second video. The simple steps can help save a life. Immediate CPR from someone nearby can double — even triple — their chance of survival.