#1 out of 2
health23h ago
This lesser-known cholesterol can quadruple your heart-attack risk
- Cardiac groups now recommend a one-time lipoprotein(a) test for all adults to assess heart disease risk.
- High Lp(a) is a genetic risk factor that can markedly raise heart attack and stroke odds, even without symptoms.
- Experts say Lp(a) levels above 125 nmol/L increase risk, with higher numbers sharply raising danger.
- Very high Lp(a) levels can quadruple heart attack risk and are linked to calcium deposits in arteries.
- No direct Lp(a)-specific drugs exist yet, but several therapies are in development targeting its production.
- Guidelines still urge lifestyle measures to lower overall cardiovascular risk despite genetic Lp(a) influence.
- Testing for Lp(a) can be done alongside routine blood work and typically needs only one measurement.
- Lp(a) levels show more risk in Black and Asian populations compared with Hispanic or white groups.
- Early detection may guide intensified treatment for other risk factors like LDL, blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Emerging Lp(a)-targeting medicines in trials could offer future options for those at risk with high Lp(a).
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