February is heart health month, and I am devoting this blog to preserving a healthy heart and avoiding premature death from a heart attack (or a stroke).
Using Testing for specific makers can give you better information about your heart health and risk of heart attack and stroke.
Last year, a family male friend of ours died while playing gold with his buddies from a sudden heart attack at the age of 56 years old. This middle-aged man left two young daughters behind. This sad news is not uncommon. Since I also have a family history of heart disease, this topic is close to my heart (no pun intended!)
There has been a lot of new information on biomarkers to look out for to determine cardiovascular risk. One of those biomarkers is Lipoprotein a (little a).
Lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a), is a type of Lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood and is considered a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and heart attacks. Elevated levels of Lp(a) in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries. This condition can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease.
Why is Lp(a) Important?
Genetic Determination: Unlike other cholesterol levels, which can be influenced by diet, exercise, and medication, Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, and individuals can inherit high levels from their parents.
Independent Risk Factor: Lp(a) is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This means that high levels of Lp(a) can increase the risk of developing heart disease independently of other risk factors such as high LDL (low-density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking.
Under-Recognized: Despite its significance, Lp(a) is not routinely measured in standard lipid tests, partly because there has been a lack of clear guidelines on how to manage elevated levels.
Lowering Lp(a) Levels: Reducing high levels of Lp(a) can be challenging because dietary and lifestyle changes, which are effective for managing other types of cholesterol, generally do not have a significant impact on Lp(a) levels. However, there are some strategies that might be considered:
Plant Based Diet: Many studies show a beneficial effect of eating a diet high n plants, vegetables and fruits. Of all the current options to lower Lp(a), diet is the easiest, most affordable and most convenient intervention. Eat more veggies, cut out the unhealthy fats and carbs and focus on fish and plant proteins.
Managing other cardiovascular risk factors becomes even more critical for individuals with high Lp(a) levels. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking, and possibly using medications to manage other lipid abnormalities.
While Lp(a) is a challenging risk factor to manage due to its genetic basis, awareness and understanding of its role in cardiovascular disease are increasing. Ongoing research is expected to lead to better strategies for reducing the risks associated with high Lp(a) levels. Ask your physician about Lp(a) and as a shared decision element of healthcare, have them order it along with APOb.
Both Lp(a) and APOb are simple blood tests that can be ordered by any doctor and added on to your cholesterol panel.
Schedule a free call with me to learn if the Lp(a) test is right for you.
In Health,
Dr. Helene
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