There is an increase calling for screening this cholesterol.
Millions of Americans are unknowingly born with a genetic predisposition to dangerously high levels of a cholesterol variant known as lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). Unlike lifestyle-influenced cholesterol, Lp(a) is entirely genetic, leading to plaque buildup in arteries and an increased risk of blood clots, causing heart attacks and strokes. Approximately 64 million Americans, particularly those of African and South Asian descent, possess elevated Lp(a) levels, often running in families and resulting in life-threatening heart diseases that strike individuals in their 40s and 50s.
Routine cholesterol tests do not typically screen for Lp(a), as there is currently no effective treatment for it. However, with several promising drugs in clinical trials, doctors emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the genetic risk. Some of these experimental drugs, including pelacarsen from Novartis, have shown the ability to significantly reduce Lp(a) levels in early studies. The hope is that lowering Lp(a) could reduce the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.
Despite the absence of proven treatments, doctors like Dr. Erin Michos advocate for screening Lp(a) levels as part of preventive care. They argue that early identification of individuals with high Lp(a) allows for proactive measures in managing heart risks, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While awaiting the outcomes of ongoing drug trials, cardiologists like Dr. Steven Nissen and Dr. Sahil Parikh advocate for wider testing of Lp(a), emphasizing the potential benefits for patients in the near future.
Patients like Lori Welsh, participating in clinical trials, express optimism in experimental drugs like pelacarsen. Even without current treatments, knowing one’s Lp(a) level can be life-saving, prompting individuals to adopt healthier habits and manage their heart risks more effectively. Welsh highlights the positive impact her mother’s awareness of elevated Lp(a) had on her health, emphasizing the potential difference this knowledge can make in preventing heart-related issues.
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