What is hidden cholesterol?

Why should I know my lipoprotein levels (A)?

Knowing your LP levels can be useful for you to take proactive measures to protect yourself against heart problems if necessary. High levels of LP (a) can increase the risk of:

• Cardiac attacks (myocardial infarctions)
• Cardiovascular accidents
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Blood clots

The probability that these events occur is greater if you have a family history of high levels of LBD cholesterol, family hypercholesterolemia (HF) or signals of coronary heart disease. Even if your other cholesterol levels are normal (including LBDs) or are well controlled, have high levels of LP (a) increases the risk of heart problems. Knowing your levels can provide a more complete panorama of your general risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What depends on your LP (A) level?

Your LP (a) levels depend almost completely on your genetics. There is a specific gene called LPA that is inherited from your parents, which explains why high levels frequently occur for entire families.

This means that, unlike other types of cholesterol, LP (A) levels do not change much due to lifestyle changes such as diets and exercise. However, healthy lifestyle habits could still have an important impact on your general heart health and your well -being.

LP (A) levels may vary for different ethnic groups. For example, investigations indicate that people of African and southern ancestry tend to have higher LP (A) levels compared to white, Asian and Hispanic people. A 2024 study published in Journal of Clinical Lipidology (Clinical Lipidology Magazine) also identified that within their patient groups, Hispanic and non -Hispanic black people had higher levels of LP (A).

How are lipoprotein levels identified (A)?

LP (A) are analyzed with a simple blood extraction that evaluates lipoproteins (A) in serum. This test is not always part of a routine cholesterol test profile, so if you think you should undergo, you should request them specifically.

High LP levels (a) often do not cause symptoms, but your medical care provider could test if you have poor leg circulation; Background of heart attacks or cardiovascular accidents at an early age (before 65 years for women), especially without other common risks; or family history of premature heart problems, confirmed high levels of LP (A); High levels of cholesterol or family hypercholesterolemia (HF).

HF is a genetic disorder that causes high levels of LBD from birth. Since it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people with HF do not know that they have it, talking about your family history with your medical care provider is important to handle and properly test.

Even if people have a higher risk of heart disease, the tests do not tend to be requested with due frequency, according to research, especially in marginalized communities, including Spanish and non -Hispanic black patients with lower income and living in less favored neighborhoods. The disparities of the evidence imply that people who are risky are not identified or do not have access to the care they deserve.

What is the meaning of the results of the lipoprotein tests (A)?

LP (A) levels are commonly measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/l) or nanomoles per liter. A level that exceeds 50 mg/dl or 125 nmol/l is generally associated with a higher risk of heart problems. Healthy levels are generally less than 30 mg/dl or 75 nmol/l, but guidelines may vary depending on the specific method or laboratory used.

The risk increases with the results of LP (A), so the greater the level is the risk. It is crucial to talk about your results with a medical care provider.

What should I do if I have high LP (A) levels?

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), there are no therapies approved by the FDA (Food and drug administration) Specific to control LP (A) and treatments are limited, although some medications could be useful, such as nicotinic acid, aspirin and some medications that reduce cholesterol.

Other options include a specific procedure that removes LP (A) from blood, but this is reserved for very high risk patients. New treatments are being investigated that show promising results, some of which could be available soon, according to the American heart association. Talk to your medical care provider about your therapeutic options.

In general, it is convenient to adopt habits that are useful to reduce your general risk of heart disease:

• Reduce LBD cholesterol levels
• Maintain blood pressure under control
• Control diabetes
• No smoking
• Maintain healthy weight and lifestyle through diets and exercise