Lipoprotein a, Lp(a), is cholesterol. It is a very small sticky cholesterol that lines the arteries and builds up over time. Standard cholesterol testing includes an estimated LDL, which consists of both Lp(a) and other cholesterol particles. They are part of the total cholesterol LDL concentration panel. So you don’t know if you have high levels of Lp(a).
Why is Lipoprotein (a) so important?
When it comes to looking at your cholesterol, Lp (a) is one of the most dangerous particles in regard to cardiac health disease, including stroke and heart attack. It is genetically determined, which means that either your mother or father has given this to you. Unfortunately, if you have Lp(a), it’s more than likely you will hand that down to your children.
Frequently, insurance companies are refusing to pay for this test, and providers are either not aware of this test or don’t want to order Lp(a) since insurance companies are not paying. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who might have Lp(a) are unaware of it until something catastrophic happens.
I need to educate and empower as many people as I can about Lp(a). It is an unknown, potentially deadly cholesterol. We should all be tested. Lp(a) puts you at risk for developing coronary heart disease, including stroke and heart attack. There is not a standard protocol at this time of medications or medications that lower cholesterol that will lower Lp(a) levels.
My recommendation is to get tested for Lp(a) advanced biomarker. If you test positive, my recommendation could include taking high doses of niacin, which is useful in lowering Lp(a) by 30%. Omega 3 fish oil can also help in reducing Lp(a). There are other options, as well. Reach out to me, and we will come up with a specialized plan just for you.
Because it is inherited and that the levels of Lp(a) remain stable over a person’s lifetime, testing only once would be sufficient.
If you are interested in testing for Lp(a) or are concerned and want to talk to your provider and need some direction, please reach out to me.
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