La Lipoprotein (a), abbreviated as Lp(a)It is a particle that circulates in the blood and transports cholesterol. In recent years it has been recognized as a independent cardiovascular risk factorwhich means it can increase the risk of heart and artery disease even when other values, such as LDL cholesterol, are controlled.
Lipoprotein (a) is similar to LDL cholesterol—known as “bad cholesterol”—but has an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a), which gives it special properties related to cardiovascular risk.
Why might Lipoprotein (a) increase cardiovascular risk?
La Lp(a) It has several characteristics that can favor the development of cardiovascular diseases:
It promotes arterial inflammation.
It transports oxidative substances that can irritate and damage the walls of the arteries.
It may interfere with the removal of blood clots.
Its structure is similar to a protein that helps dissolve clots, but in reality He can't do itwhich can promote the formation of blood clots.
It promotes the formation of cholesterol plaques
It contributes to the process of atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol plaques accumulate in the arteries.
It depends little on lifestyle
Unlike LDL cholesterol, Diet or exercise barely alter their levels, since it is primarily determined by genetics.
Why is it important to measure Lipoprotein (a)?
In about 90% of cases, the levels of Lipoprotein (a) are determined by the genes inherited from parents.
For this reason, International guidelines recommend measuring Lp(a) at least once in a lifetimeespecially in people with a family history of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, elevated levels of Lipoprotein (a) have been associated with an increased risk of calcified aortic stenosis, a disease in which the aortic valve of the heart hardens over time.
Lipoprotein (a) values
The levels of Lp(a) They are generally interpreted as follows:
- 30–50 mg/dL: Cardiovascular risk begins to increase
- More than 90 mg/dL: increased risk of aortic valve disease
- Very high values: They may be associated with an elevated cardiovascular risk even if LDL cholesterol is normal.
Having an Elevated lipoprotein (a) It doesn't necessarily mean that he will develop a disease, but it does indicate the need to to carefully monitor and control other cardiovascular risk factors.
How can I reduce my risk if I have high lipoprotein(a) levels?
Currently there are Few specific treatments are approved solely to reduce Lp(a)However, there are very effective strategies to reduce overall cardiovascular risk:
- Strict control of LDL cholesterol
- Keep a adequate blood pressure
- No Smoking
- Follow one healthy nutrition
- Perform regular physical activity
- Comply with the medical recommendations
Which family members should be tested for Lipoprotein (a)?
It is recommended to perform the test at:
First-degree relatives: parents, siblings and children (usually only one measurement is needed)
History of early cardiovascular disease
- Men under 55 years old
- Women under 65 years of age with a family history of heart attack or stroke
Diagnosis familial hypercholesterolemia
Both conditions can coexist and increase cardiovascular risk.
Cases of early severe aortic stenosisespecially before the age of 65.
Knowing their level of Lipoprotein (a) helps to more accurately assess your cardiovascular riskIf the value is high, It is not a sentenceBut it is a sign to reinforce prevention, control other risk factors, and maintain adequate medical follow-up to protect heart health.
By Dr. Martin Young, cardiologist at Quirónsalud Valle del Henares Hospital.