High levels of a specific fatty particle in the blood, known as **lipoprotein(a),** or **Lp(a)**, are a major, yet often overlooked, risk for heart attacks and strokes. Your Lp(a) level is primarily inherited, meaning it's determined by your genes. Unlike other types of cholesterol, it isn't significantly influenced by your diet, exercise habits, or standard cholesterol medications.
This means it can't be lowered through diet, exercise, or even standard cholesterol-lowering drugs.
For decades, Lp(a) has flown under the radar of both patients and many doctors, despite being identified over 60 years ago. Over 65 million people in the U.S. An estimated 65 million people in the U.S. alone have elevated Lp(a) levels. have elevated levels. The condition disproportionately affects Black people of African descent, but it’s a widespread issue across all racial and ethnic groups. The good news is that the medical community is starting to catch up. Several new experimental drugs have been shown to drastically lower Lp(a) levels, with some reducing them by as much as **94%**. While these treatments are still in clinical trials, the first one could be available within the next couple of years.
The Personal Stories Behind the Science
The impact of high Lp(a) is often discovered after a significant cardiac event, as it was for many people.
Brian Farrington** had a heart attack at 53, despite being told his cholesterol was only "borderline high." He later learned that a family history of premature heart disease was tied to his own undiagnosed high Lp(a).
Don Kosec** was 61 and considered himself in great shape when he experienced shortness of breath that led to quintuple bypass surgery. He was later "dumbfounded" to learn he had elevated Lp(a), a condition he had never heard of before.
* Cardiologist **C. Michael Gibson** had a family history of heart attacks and kept his LDL cholesterol at a healthy level with medication. He was still surprised to find a dangerous plaque buildup in his arteries, which he concluded was caused by his high Lp(a) levels. Despite his best efforts to manage other risk factors, he is eager to access the new treatments being developed to address his high Lp(a) directly.
Getting Tested and Looking Ahead**
Lp(a) is not included in standard cholesterol tests and must be ordered separately. While U.S. guidelines are more conservative, organizations like the **National Lipid Association** and medical groups in **Europe and Canada** recommend universal testing for everyone. The hope is that as new, effective treatments become available, testing will become a more routine part of preventative healthcare.
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