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Lipoprotein (a) may sound like a sexy lip pale, but that’s not quite what it is.
Lipoprotein (A) or LP (a) for short is a particle that can be found in your blood. This particle transports cholesterol and can affect her heart disease risk. Therefore, it is worth learning more and possibly checking your mirrors through the blood test.
While lifestyle habits can influence their risk of a high LP (A) level, they are mainly determined by genes that they inherit. Since many people with high LP (a) have no symptoms, it is crucial to discuss their personal risk factors with their health service provider (HCP) in order to obtain a complete picture of their heart health.
Find out more about lipoprotein (a), including risk factors, testing, understanding the test results and the administration of high values.
What is Stealth cholesterol?
Lipoprotein (a) is sometimes referred to as “stealth cholesterol level”, since it is not detected by standard cholesterol and often no symptoms. LP (a) is a plasma lipoprotein that is particles that have fats like cholesterol in her blood.
While researchers do not fully understand the function of LP (a), high values are associated with heart problems. This is because a high LP (a) can build up in the walls of their blood vessels, which leads to plaques (fat deposits) that limit the blood vessels, which makes it more difficult to flow blood and cause blockages that can lead to heart attacks or lines.
Why should I know my lipoprotein (a) level?
If you know your LP levels (A), you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from heart problems if necessary. High LP (a) can increase the risk:
The probability of these events is greater if you have a high level of LDL cholesterol in your family, family hypercholesterolemia (FH) or signs of coronary heart disease. Even if your other cholesterol levels are normal (including LDL) or well managed, a high LP (A) level still increases the risk of heart problems. If you know that your values have a more comprehensive image of your general risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What influences your LP (a) layer?
Your LP (a) level is almost completely determined by your genetics. There is a certain gene called LPA, which is passed on by their parents, which is why high values often run in families.
In contrast to other types of cholesterol levels, LP (A) level does not change significantly due to changes in lifestyle such as nutrition and exercise. However, healthy living habits still have a major impact on their general heart health and well -being.
LP (A) level can vary between different ethnic groups. Investigations show, for example, that people of African origin and people of South Asian descent compared to white individuals, Asians and Hispanics usually have higher LP (A) levels. A study in 2024 published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology also showed that in their patient group, non -Hispanic blacks and Hispanic patients had a higher LP (A) mirror.
How do you test lipoprotein (a) level?
LP (a) is tested with a simple blood extract that measures the mirror of lipoprotein (a) in the plasma. This test is not always part of a routine cholesterol. So if you believe that you should be tested, you may have to ask specifically about it.
High LP (a) often does not cause symptoms, but your HCP could test this if you have poor leg circulation. a personal history of the heart attack or stroke at a young age (under 65 years for women), especially without other common risks; Or a family history of early heart problems, known, high LP (a); High cholesterol or family hypercholesterolemia (FH).
FH is a genetic illness that causes a high LDL cholesterol level from birth. Since an estimated 9 out 10 people with FH do not know that you have it, the discussion of your family history with your HCP is the key to adequate tests and administration.
Even if people have a higher risk of heart diseases, according to research, especially in marginalized communities, including non-Hispanic black and Hispanic patients with lower incomes and those who live in less continued neighborhoods, will not be as often as it should be. Differences in the test mean that some endangered people may not be identified or the care they deserve.
What do lipoprotein (A) mean test results?
LP (A) levels are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/l) or nanomol per liter. A level of more than 50 mg/dl or 125 NMOL/L is generally associated with an increased risk of heart problems. Healthy values are generally less than 30 mg/dl or 75 NMOL/L, but the guidelines can vary depending on the method used or specific laboratory.
The risk increases together with the results of the LP (A). The higher the level, the greater the risk. It is important to discuss your results with an HCP.
What can I do if I have a high LP (a)?
According to the centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC), there are no therapies approved by FDA, especially for the treatment of LP (A) and the treatments are limited, although some medication can help, such as Niacin, Aspirin and some cholesterol -lowering medication.
Further options are a specific procedure that removes LP (a) from the blood, but this is reserved for patients with high risk. According to the American Heart Association, new treatments are being researched and show promising results that some could soon be available. Talk to your HCP to discuss your personal treatment options.
In general, it is a good idea to take over habits that help reduce your general risk of heart disease:
- Lower LDL cholesterol level
- Keep the blood pressure under control
- Manage diabetes
- Avoid
- Keep a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise
This educational resource was created with the support of Novartis.
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