English
Lipoprotein (A) can sound like a lipstick to increase the volume and sensuality of the lips, but that is incorrect.
Lipoprotein (A) or LP (A) is a particle in your blood. This particle transports to cholesterol and can influence your risk of heart disease, so it is worth knowing more and to have your levels assessed through blood tests.
Although the habits of your lifestyle can influence your risk of high levels of LP (A), these are mainly determined by the genes you inherited. Since many people with high levels of LP (A) have no symptoms, it is crucial to talk about your personal risk factors with your medical care provider (HCP) crucial to understand the entire panorama of your heart health.
Get more information about lipoprotein (A), including risk factors, tests, results and how they can deal with high levels.
What is hidden cholesterol?
Lipoprotein (A) is also known as “hidden cholesterol” because standard cholesterol tests do not detect it and often there are no symptoms. LP (A) is a plasma lipoprotein, that is, a particle that transports fats, such as cholesterol, in your blood
Although researchers do not fully understand the function of LP (A), high levels are associated with heart problems. This is due to which high levels of LP (A) can be collected on the walls of your blood vessels, causing plaque (fat deposits) that make blood vessels narrower, making blood flow difficult and causes obstructions that can make way for heart attacks or cardiovascular accidents.
Why should I know my lipoprotein -levels (A)?
Knowing your LP levels can be useful to take proactive measures to protect yourself against heart problems if necessary. High levels of LP (A) Increase the risk of:
- Heart attacks (Myocardial infarctions))
- Cardiovascular accidents
- Aorta valve stenosis
- Blood clots
The probability That these events occur is greater if you have a family history of high cholesterol levels of LBD, Family Hypercholesterolemia (HF) Or signs of cardiovascular disease. Even if your other cholesterol levels are normal (including LBDs) or are well controlled, the risk of heart problems increases high levels of LP (A). Knowing your levels can offer a more complete panorama of your general risk of cardiovascular disease.
What depends on your LP (A) level?
Your LP (A) levels are almost completely dependent on your genetics. There is a specific gene called LPA that is inherited from your parents, which explains why high levels often occur for entire families.
This means that, unlike other types of cholesterol, LP (A) levels do not change much because of changes in lifestyle such as diets and exercise. However, healthy lifestyle habits can still have an important impact on your general health of the heart and your wells.
LP (A) levels can vary for different ethnic groups. For example, research They indicate that people from African and South Asia tend to have higher LP (A) levels compared to white, Asian and Spanish people. A study from 2024 published in Journal of Clinical Lipidology [Revista de lipidología clínica] He also identified that within their patient groups, Spanish and non -Hispanic Black People had higher levels of LP (A).
How are lipoprotein levels identified (A)?
LP (A) are analyzed with a simple blood extraction that evaluates lipoproteins (A) in serum. This test is not always part of a routine cholesterol test profile, so if you think you should undergo, you must request them specifically.
High LP levels (A) often cause no symptoms, but your medical care provider can test if you have poor leg circulation; Background of heart attacks or cardiovascular accidents at a young age (before 65 years for women), especially without other common risks; Or family history of premature heart problems, confirmed high levels of LP (A); High levels of cholesterol or family hypercholesterolemia (HF).
HF is a genetic condition that causes high levels of LBD from birth. Since it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people with HF do not know that they have it, it is important to talk about your family history with your medical care provider important to deal with and test it properly.
Even if people have a higher risk of heart conditions, test They don’t tend According to the frequency, research is requested, especially in marginalized communities, including Spanish and non -transpanical black patients with a lower income and living in less favorite neighborhoods. The differences of the evidence imply that people who are risky are not identified or do not have access to the care they deserve.
What is the meaning of the results of the lipoprotein tests (A)?
LP (A) Levels are They often measure In milligram per deciliter (mg/l) or nanomolen per liter. A level that exceeds more than 50 mg/dl or 125 Nmol/L is generally associated with a higher risk of heart problems. Healthy levels are generally less than 30 mg/dl or 75 Nmol/L, but guidelines can vary depending on the specific method or the laboratory.
The risk increases with the results of LP (A), so the greater the level is the risk. It is crucial to talk about your results with a medical care provider.
What should I do if I have high LP (A) levels?
According to the Centers for disease prevention and control (CDCFor his acronym in English), no therapies have been approved by the FDA [Administración de medicamentos y alimentos] Specifically for controlling LP (A) and treatments are limited, although some drugs can be useful, such as nicotinic acid, aspirin and some drugs that reduce cholesterol.
Other options include a specific procedure that removes LP (A) from blood, but this is reserved for patients with a very high risk. New treatments are being investigated that show promising results, some of which may be available soon, according to the American Heart Association. Talk to your medical care provider about your therapeutic options.
In general, it is useful to reduce your general risk of heart disorders:
- LBD -cholesterol levels reduce
- Maintain blood pressure under control
- Control Diabetes
- Do not smoke
- Preserve healthy weight and lifestyle by diets and exercise
This educational source is prepared with the support of Novartis.
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