Lipoprotein: What it is and why it should be kept low

Lipoprotein (A), which serves to transport cholesterol in the blood, is increasingly studied, as its levels, when too high, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Index of topics

What

It is a close relative of LDL cholesterol, the "bad" type, but unlike it, it is in no way affected by diet, exercise, or even the statins used to lower LDL in cases of hypercholesterolemia. The key factor is genetic: 20 percent of the Italian population has this problem due to a family predisposition.

How it works

Lipoprotein (A) becomes harmful to blood vessels due to its inflammatory effect, and its effect is amplified if the patient also suffers from hypercholesterolemia. The increased interest in lipoprotein (A) is also linked to the fact that 50 percent of people who have had a heart attack have normal, non-dangerous LDL levels. Therefore, efforts are underway to investigate other factors that may contribute to a heart attack.

Normal values

Lipoprotein (A), also known as Lp(A), blood levels vary widely, ranging from 0,2 mg/dL to 300 mg/dL. Given such significant fluctuations, it was decided to consider the maximum Lp(A) blood level, above which the risk of cardiovascular disease increases, set at 30 mg/dL.

Diagnosis

A high level of lipoprotein (A) can be diagnosed with a simple blood testThe important thing is to do it even when you are young, if there are family members, since the threshold for cardiovascular problems linked to lipoprotein (A) has lowered under the age of 50.

Treatments and prevention

Unfortunately, there are no effective therapies for lowering lipoprotein (A). Several studies are underway, but it will take years before any scientific certainty is achieved, which would then pave the way for the development of new drugs. Lipoprotein (A) levels are genetically determined and therefore difficult to modify. Niacin and estrogen are administered to postmenopausal women with this problem, but the reduction is mild and transient, and the possible side effects of this treatment are not yet clear.

In the meantime, the only thing to do, even as a preventative measure, is to keep LDL cholesterol under control, primarily through lifestyle changes. Avoid overindulging in fatty foods, and get regular physical activity. quit smoking. Only if necessary, when necessary, and under the guidance of your doctor, should you consider drug therapy to keep LDL cholesterol under control.

Cover image source: Wikipedia