If you are worried about heart disease, you should know about lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a). This type of cholesterol can build up in your blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, you can't control Lp(a) levels through diet or exercise. The good news is that knowing your Lp(a) levels through a simple blood test can help you take steps to manage your heart health, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a): The Hidden Factor in Heart Disease You Need to Know About

Have you ever heard of lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a)? If not, you're not alone. Many people focus on cholesterol levels when thinking about heart health, but Lp(a) is another crucial factor that can significantly impact your risk of heart disease.

Imagine this: John is a 45-year-old who eats well, exercises regularly and has normal cholesterol levels. Despite his healthy lifestyle, John suffered a heart attack. It turns out John has high Lp(a) levels, which he never knew about because they are not usually checked in routine blood tests. High levels of Lp(a) can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

A common misconception is that if you have normal cholesterol levels, you're not at risk for heart disease. This isn't entirely true. Like John, you could have normal cholesterol but elevated Lp(a) levels, putting you at risk.

My recommendation? Ask your doctor to test your Lp(a) levels, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Knowing your Lp(a) levels can provide a more comprehensive picture of your heart health and help you take proactive steps to protect it.

4-Step Strategy to Manage Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Here's a simple 5-step strategy to help you manage elevated Lp(a) levels:

1. Understand Your Risk

Knowing your risk is the first step. Lp(a) levels are determined mainly by genetics and can run in families. If you have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about checking your Lp(a) levels.

2. Consult Your Doctor

Once you know your Lp(a) levels, pleaseconsult your doctor to understand what they mean for you. Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and other heart conditions, even if you're on statin therapy. Your doctor can help you understand your results and discuss possible treatments or lifestyle changes.

3. Personalize Your Diet

While general dietary guidelines recommend reducing saturated fat to lower LDL-cholesterol, this may not be effective for everyone, especially those with high Lp(a). Work with a nutritionist to develop a personalized diet plan considering your unique risk factors.

4. Monitor Your Cardiovascular Health

Higher Lp[a] levels are also associated with faster progression of calcific aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve). If you have elevated Lp(a), monitoring your overall cardiovascular health is essential. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging studies can help keep track of your heart health. Monitoring both Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol is crucial, as having elevated levels of both significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to manage elevated Lp(a) levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor these strategies to your specific needs.

Action Step: Schedule a lipid screening test with your doctor next month. This simple blood test can measure your Lp(a) levels and other essential lipids.

References:

- Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association URL: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATV.0000000000000147?cookieSet=1

- Title: Lipoprotein(a) URL: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/38/20/1530/3836081