Lp(a): You Need to Know This!
When we think about reducing the risk of chronic diseases, it's easy to focus on things we can change. Quitting smoking, losing weight, and, if necessary, taking medications to manage high blood pressure or cholesterol are all great steps. But when it comes to evaluating and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, there's one critical factor that we can’t ignore: lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).
Dr. Benoit Arsenault recently discussed on a podcast (The Drive by Dr. Peter Attia) how elevated Lp(a) is the most important and common hereditary risk factor for CVD. The problem? We don't yet have a simple way to treat it. Because of this, many doctors don't even test for Lp(a). However, a new study highlights just how important Lp(a) is for assessing CVD risk. Even though we can’t change Lp(a) levels, knowing them can still play a big role in how we manage heart health.
Why Test for Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood. High levels of Lp(a) can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unlike other types of cholesterol that we can manage with lifestyle changes and medications, Lp(a) levels are mostly determined by genetics and stay pretty consistent throughout life.
So, if we can’t change it, why bother testing for Lp(a)? The answer lies in getting a complete picture of heart health. Knowing Lp(a) levels can help doctors better assess overall CVD risk and take more proactive steps in managing it.
How Knowing Lp(a) Levels Can Help
Even though there’s no direct way to lower Lp(a) right now, knowing if someone has high levels can influence healthcare decisions in several important ways:
Closer Monitoring: People with high Lp(a) might need more frequent heart health check-ups. This helps catch any potential problems early on.
More Aggressive Management: If someone has high Lp(a), doctors might take a more aggressive approach to controlling other modifiable risk factors like blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, smoking habits, nutrition and fitness.
Family Screening: Since Lp(a) is hereditary, if one family member has high levels, it might be a good idea to test other relatives. This can help detect risks early in family members.
Future Treatments: Research is ongoing to find ways to lower Lp(a). Knowing your levels now can prepare you for new treatments as they become available.
Wrapping It Up
Elevated Lp(a) is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular disease that we can't change. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. By including Lp(a) testing in regular heart health assessments, we can get a fuller understanding of heart disease risk. This helps in early detection and proactive management, making sure we do everything possible to keep our hearts healthy.
Keeping an eye on Lp(a) ensures we cover all our bases in the fight against cardiovascular disease, setting the stage for better outcomes and potentially life-saving interventions in the future.
As always,
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT.
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