Lipoprotein A is a type of cholesterol. Its high level increases the risk of atherosclerosis even with normal levels of other types of cholesterol and the healthiest possible lifestyle. Cardiologist Vadim Zakiev, teacher of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Russian State University of Social Sciences, told socialbites.ca.
“Lipoprotein a (LP a) is a type of cholesterol. Like low-density lipoprotein (LDL), it promotes the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. At the same time, there are effective drugs to lower LDL cholesterol levels, but there is no approved drug against LDL cholesterol yet. Additionally, some drugs that lower LDL levels increase lipoprotein a concentration. Additionally, this type of cholesterol is not affected by lifestyle. Basically, its level is determined by genetic factors, so for a more comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular risk, it is recommended to get tested for your lipid level at least once in your life,” explained Zakiev.
It is assumed that LP a may be the cause of residual cardiovascular risk, that is, it increases the likelihood of stroke and heart attack in patients who correct all possible factors: target LDL values are reached, blood pressure, sugar, quitting smoking, etc. Another possible residual risk factor is high blood triglyceride levels.
“To simplify, triglycerides can be called fats. Its levels are often increased in people who abuse fatty foods and alcohol; This not only increases cardiovascular risk but can also lead to pancreatic necrosis. The main cause of this is alcohol abuse, but in my practice there was a patient who had never consumed alcohol but was hospitalized with pancreatic necrosis, and a few years later during a routine examination a very significant increase in triglycerides was observed. It turns out that this can cause damage to the pancreas,” the doctor said.
Formerly cardiologist Zakiev saidThere is no need to lower cholesterol levels.