Anyone else out there with extremely high lipoprotein (a)?

Posted by csage1010 (Sue) @csage1010, Feb 21, 2022

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.

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@tommy901

Yes you are correct. Studies have shown that Proline in combination with Vitamin C and Lysine demonstrate a very important combination. I don't know why I failed to mention that. As far as reversing this situation, there are some studies that indicate some reversal effects, but not conclusive. One study with the addition of Proline, did show reversal in the early stages of Atherosclerotic plaque.

To further answer your question, in 2005 at the age of 52, I had a nuclear medical exam for the heart, often called a nuclear stress test or nuclear cardiology imaging test. The reason this was done was because I wound up in the ER with almost a fatal arrhythmia. After the initial procedure of getting my heart back into to rhythm and some medication, the doctor wanted that specific test done. I was initially prescribed a Beta blocker and Aspirin....even that far back I was involved in Epidemiological studies, but not much focus on cardiovascular disease. The result at that time was zero blockage. A calcium test was never done.

A few days later, my studies focused 100% on the heart...and has continued to today at age 72.

So back to that event (a few days later)...I discovered Magnesium for AFib. At that time I could only find magnesium oxide. It was like a miracle. My AFib for the most part, disappeared. I currently take magnesium lysinate-glycinate due to it's high absorbability with no gastrointestinal issues.

Getting back to early studies, I had heard bits and pieces about Lipoproteins and Lipoprotein (a), Vitamin C etc, but like most people, didn't give it much thought. As the months went by, it became my ONLY thought.

In 2022, I became curious about how my coronary arteries were doing and voluntarily checked myself into the hospital and requested a heart Cath. The procedure was done and the results were close to those in 2005. I attribute the results to being on a combination of Vitamin C, Lysine and Proline....plus the fact that I had been taking a multivitamin along with some other supplements, plus avoiding processed foods as much as possible. I had also stopped smoking. As you and most people know, cigarettes create the most issues with the coronary arteries along with a deficiency in Vitamin C.

Today, I don't take any blood pressure medication. I don't take any blood thinners, well I take Aspirin. I also take a Beta blocker.

I don't like the word "blood thinner"., but it's a common phrase that maybe is easier to relate to. There are anticoagulant drugs and antiplatelet drugs. That's a subject for another day that's very important.

Just like Statins. Another important study for another day. One hint. Most Epidemiological studies prove that Statins increase the production of LP (a). It's a fact. Look it up. If you find a valid study that says otherwise, please let me know.

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Highly recommend looking into the coronary benefits of vitamin K2.

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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

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re the above - I think the upper limit for Lp(a) is approximately 99 nmol/l, mine was 295

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