Lipoprotein a – What are the dangers of an elevated lipoprotein a?
Elevated lipoprotein a can cause problems. If your vessel walls are damaged, the body produces more lipoprotein(a) to repair vessel walls. Too much lipoprotein(a) concentrates at damage locations along your artery walls, binds with two amino acids resulting in LDL cholesterol being dumped at the “site” and oxidized LDL is deposited in the artery wall which escalates the build-up of plaque. As the plaque forms, lipoprotein(a) encourages the formation of a blood clot on top of the plaque. All of this acts to narrow the blood vessel and impedes blood flow.
One reason for elevated lipoprotein(a) levels is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and constant arterial wall damage causing the body to produce excess lipoprotein(a) in an attempt to repair the damage. Another reason for high lipoprotein(a) levels is genetics. Even if you do not have signs of heart disease, meaning your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal, you may still have elevated lipoprotein(a) due to genetics.
Which is why if you have heart disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.) or your have a strong family history of heart disease, it’s in your best interest to get a comprehensive lipid panel. What you don’t know just might hurt you!
As an FYI, for those of you with recurrent angina, bypass grafts closing, or arteries re-narrowing after angioplasty, elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are a possible culprit.
Function of lipoprotein a.
How to lower lipoprotein a.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
Lipoprotein a – What is the function of lipoprotein a?
Lipoprotein(a) is formed when one LDL molecule is attached to a protein called apolipoprotein(a). (FYI: Lipo = fat; hence the name lipoprotein – fat with protein.) A healthy level of lipoprotein(a) is beneficial and will:
Repair damaged cells
Restore structure of blood vessel walls
Enhance blood clotting
Prevent excessive blood loss due to damaged vessels
Promote cell regeneration
Basically, lipoprotein(a) at healthy levels acts as an “artery patch”.
Dangers of elevated lipoprotein a levels.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
Cholesterol Lipoprotein a – Do you know your levels?
Lipoprotein(a) is a type of cholesterol we all have; however, it’s not a cholesterol routinely monitored by physicians. Typically you receive a standard lipid panel which gives you the following labs:
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides (and maybe VLDL Cholesterol)
If the above labs are within normal, there is usually no reason a physician would order any further tests. For those of you with a strong family history of heart disease, I encourage you to have your physician do routine tests beyond this standard lipid panel. You need to have a comprehensive lipid panel. A comprehensive lipid panel tests you for the following labs:
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
C-Reactive Protein (measure of inflammation)
Insulin
Homocysteine
VLDL Cholesterol
Remnant Lipoprotein
Dense LDL III
Dense LDL IV
Buoyant HDL 2b
LDL Phenotype/Size
Lipoprotein(a)
The function of Lipoprotein a.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
How to Lower Cholesterol: Step 1
It’s often easier to turn to supplements or medications to lower cholesterol. However, the effectiveness of these treatments will not be as great if you do not have a solid foundation in place that supports heart health. Over the next few posts I’ll give you three basic steps you can implement now to promote lower cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease.
Step 1: Know and understand your cholesterol lab results.
A simple blood test will check your cholesterol levels. This test is also known as a lipid profile. You will learn your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. By knowing the “breakdown” of your lipid panel you (or your MD/dietitian) will be able to determine the best steps to take for results.
The American Heart Association Recommends that everyone over the age of 20 know their cholesterol levels.
Lower Cholesterol: Step 2
Lower Cholesterol: Step 3
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
