High Lipoprotein(a)
Our high lipopretein(a) specialists are here for you. Our team of lipid doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your heart health and overall wellness.
What Is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically inherited type of cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is classically thought of as “bad cholesterol” because it can get into the walls of arteries and cause plaque formation. Lp(a) is structurally similar to LDL-C, with the addition of an extra protein called apolipoprotein(a). This extra protein causes inflammation and clotting, which makes it even more damaging to blood vessels. There is extensive evidence that high Lp(a) significantly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as aortic valve disease.
Approximately 1 in 5 adults have a Lp(a) level considered to be high, which is over 125 nmol/L or 50 mg/dL. Lp(a) can be measured with a simple blood test, though it is not part of a standard lipid panel. Guidelines strongly recommend that lipoprotein(a) should be measured at least once in all adults.
What Are the Causes of High Lipoprotein(a)?
Lp(a) levels are mostly genetically determined. Levels remain similar over time and are minimally affected by lifestyle factors and most lipid-lowering medications. However, there are some conditions which may affect Lp(a) levels including kidney, liver, or thyroid disease, pregnancy, menopause, and some medications.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for High Lipoprotein(a)?
At this time there are no specific medications approved to lower Lp(a) directly, however some lipid-lowering therapies (e.g., PCSK9 inhibitors, lipoprotein apheresis) do lower it. Clinical trials investigating Lp(a)-lowering medications and their effect on cardiovascular risk are in their late stages. In the meantime, the focus is on aggressively treating other modifiable risk factors for heart disease to lower overall cardiac risk, such as high LDL-C, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and smoking.
Additionally, screening of first-degree family members for high Lp(a) is strongly recommended to identify those at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with High Lipoprotein(a)?
At Well by Messer, our lipid specialists will not only determine if patients have high Lp(a) but will also assess their overall risk of heart attack and stroke. If patients have high LDL-C, high apolipoprotein B (apoB), and/or a family history of heart disease at a young age, lipid-lowering medications may be warranted to reduce overall cardiac risk. Stricter control of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and smoking is also warranted. Our team of physicians, dietitians, and personal trainers take a multimodal approach using both lifestyle modifications and medications to control these risk factors and improve heart health.
Meet Your Well by Messer Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists (adult and pediatric), internists, gynecologists, urologists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, dietitians, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your long-term health & wellness at our locations in Manhattan, Greenwich (CT), Great Neck (Long Island) and soon to be Miami (FL)!
Patient Reviews
