People rarely come to see me for good news, and today was no exception.
This could save your life.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetic cholesterol particle that significantly increases cardiovascular risk.
About 1 in 5 people have elevated levels.
Less than 3% have ever been tested.
Unlike most risk factors, you cannot lower Lp(a) with diet or exercise. And your level stays stable over time, so one test is enough.
Higher levels mean higher risk and at the top end, risk of heart attack and aortic valve disease can be 70% to 200% higher.
Today, I saw a patient with an Lp(a) of 414 nmol/L.
That is extremely high, with a risk similar to familial hypercholesterolemia.
We do not yet have targeted treatment, but still, testing is important.
If your Lp(a) is high, you need to be aggressive with everything else you can control:
Blood pressure
Blood sugar
LDL and ApoB
Nutrition
Exercise
Sleep
SmokingOne simple blood test and it’s done once in your life.
Next time you get blood work, ask for Lp(a).
Knowing your risk early changes everything.
