Clinical lipidology is a branch of medicine focusing on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and associated disorders. A physician who specializes in the field of lipidology treats patients with lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease. This physician specialist studies and treats cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins in the blood, all of which contribute to heart disease and atherosclerosis. The field of lipidology is growing rapidly because of the number of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

West Virginia is a mountainous state, located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain Range. It was admitted into statehood in 1863, and its population is 1,816,856. West Virginia’s capital is Charleston, located in the southwest part of the state. When in Charleston, see the West Virginia Cultural Center, the Charleston Town Center Mall with its three-story indoor waterfall and atrium, play at the Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center, or tour a nearby coal mine. Many outdoor activities such as skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing and hunting are available to West Virginia visitors. Hike or bike a scenic trail, visit the cultural center or a museum, take a scenic train ride, or explore a cavern.

According to 2005 Census estimates, West Virginia has a population of 1,816,856. Of this population, 375,871 are under the age of 18 and 276,973 are at or above the age of 65.