Anyone else out there with extremely high lipoprotein (a)?
Hi! I just found out that I have an extremely high lipoprotein (a) of 515 nmol/L. I'm terrified; it's that high. I'm 58 years old and my total cholesterol is 212. My LDL is 141, and my HDL is just 40. My cholesterol/HDL ratio is 5.3. Of course it's a long weekend and I may not be able to reach my doctor tomorrow. I have watched a couple of informational sessions online from various doctors discussing elevated LP(a), but no one mentions anything close to how high mine is. Is there anyone else out there with severely elevated Lp(a)? Thanking you in advance. Sue M.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Highly recommend looking into the coronary benefits of vitamin K2.
I can relate to your concern. I am 72 years old. Despite my HDL, LDL, Triglycerides blood work being very good, my LP(a) was about three times higher than the upper limit 295 nmol/l.
Since it's genetic, my understanding is that there is very little you can do about it other than keeping fit and eating healthy so that your LDL, HDL, and tryiglycerides are in a healthy range. I know that there are some drugs that may be available in the near future to address elevated LP(a) but I believe that they are all in the experimental stage at this time. I'd be cautious of what some people say you should take for Lp(a) if it doesn't have sound medical evidence behind it.
As a result of another unrealted matter, I had a series of ultrasounds on my vascular system which showed that I had moderate blockage of one of my carotid arteries (heart, aorta, and everything else was all fine) so I am now taking a baby aspirin and a low dose of a statin (5mg of Crestor).
The LP(a) isn't a routine blood test but I am glad that I got it. Knowing I could be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease just leads me to continue to live a healthier life style. And, often when I reach for something to eat that may not be too healthy, I ask myself 'do I really want that' - sometimes I do, sometimes, I don't
re the above - I think the upper limit for Lp(a) is approximately 99 nmol/l, mine was 295