Lipoprotein (A) may sound like a sexy lipplein, but that’s not quite what it is.
Lipoprotein (A), or simply LP (A), is a particle found in your blood. This particle transports cholesterol and can influence the risk of your heart disease, so it is worth learning more and possibly have your levels checked by blood tests.
Although lifestyle habits can influence your risk of high LP (A) levels, they are usually determined by genes that inherit you. Because many people with high LP (A) levels have no symptoms, discussing your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider (HCP) is crucial to get a complete picture of your heart’s health.
More information about lipoprotein (A), including risk factors, being tested, understanding test results and how to manage high levels.
What is stealth cholesterol?
Lipoprotein (A) is sometimes called “stealth cholesterol” because it is not detected by standard cholesterol tests and often has no symptoms. LP (A) is a plasma lipoprotein that are particles that wear fats, such as cholesterol, in your blood.
Although researchers do not fully understand the function of LP (A), high levels are linked to heart problems. That is because a high levels of LP (A) can build up in the walls of your blood vessels, causing plaques (fat deposits) that limit blood vessels, making it more difficult to flow and cause blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Why should I know my lipoprotein (A) levels?
Knowing your levels of LP (A) can help you take proactive measures to protect yourself against heart problems if necessary. High LP (A) Increase the risk of:
The probability Of these events is larger if you have high levels of LDL cholesterol in your family, Family Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Or signs of cardiovascular disease. Even if your other cholesterol levels are normal (including LDL) or well managed, having high LP (A) levels still increases the risk of heart problems. If you know that your levels can give you a more complete picture of your overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
What does your LP (A) level influence?
Your LP (A) levels are almost completely determined by your genetics. There is a specific gene called LPA that is passed on by your parents, and therefore high levels often run in families.
That means that, unlike other types of cholesterol, LP (A) levels do not change much due to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. However, healthy lifestyle habits still have a major impact on your overall health of the heart and well -being.
LP (A) levels can vary between different ethnic groups. For example, research Indicates that individuals of African descent and people of South Asian descent usually have higher LP (A) levels compared to white individuals, Asians and Hispanics. A study from 2024 published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology It also discovered that there were non-Spanish black and Spanish patients higher LP (A) levels within their patient group.
How do you test lipoprotein (A) levels?
LP (A) is tested with a simple blood collection that measures levels of lipoprotein (A) in plasma. This test is not always part of a routine cholesterol panel, so if you think you should be tested, you may have to ask for it specifically.
High LP (A) often causes no symptoms, but your HCP can test if you have poor leg circulation; A personal history of heart attack or stroke at a young age (younger than 65 for women), especially without other common risks; Or a family history of early heart problems, well -known high LP (A); High cholesterol or family hypercholesterolemia (FH).
FH is a genetic disorder that causes high LDL cholesterol from birth. Since an estimated 9 in 10 people with FH do not know that they have it, discussing your family history with your HCP is the key to appropriate testing and management.
Even if people have a higher risk of heart disease, test does not include To be ordered as often as it should be, according to research, especially among marginalized communities, including non-Spanish black and Spanish patients with lower incomes and those who live in less privileged neighborhoods. Differences in testing means that some people who are at risk may not be identified or receive the care they deserve.
What do lipoprotein (A) mean test results?
LP (A) Levels are usually measured In milligram per deciliter (mg/l) or nanomolen per liter. A level higher than 50 mg/dl or 125 Nmol/L is generally associated with an increased risk of heart problems. Healthy levels are generally less than 30 mg/dl or 75 Nmol/L, but guidelines can vary depending on the method used or the specific laboratory.
The risk increases together with the LP (a) results, so the higher the level, the greater the risk. It is crucial to discuss your results with an HCP.
What can I do if I have a high LP (A)?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)There are no therapies approved by the FDA for the management of LP (A) and treatments are limited, although some medicines can help, such as niacin, aspirin and some cholesterol -lowering drugs.
Other options include a specific procedure that removes LP (A) from the blood, but this is reserved for patients with a high risk. New treatments are being investigated and show promising results, some of which may be available soon, according to the American Heart Association. Talk to your HCP to discuss your personal treatment options.
In general, it is a good idea to accept habits that help reduce your overall risk of heart disease:
- Lower LDL cholesterol levels
- Keep blood pressure under control
- Diabetes management
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle through food and exercise
This educational source is made with support fromM Novartis.
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