High Lipoprotein (a)

Posted by tauceti @tauceti, Jan 26, 2024

I've had a history of borderline cholesterol. Age about 50 and generally active life style with activities like brisk walking, Tennis (2-3 times week). Weekly steps are in the range of 50-65K. But because my father died of cardiac arrest at the age of 62 and history of borderline cholesterol, doctor and a specialist (not cardiologist) prescribed me Statins (5mg only). I was hesitant because of side effects but professionals instilled fear in me (rightly so probably) that I started the medication 3 months ago and my overall cholesterol, LDLs and triglycerides came down significantly. Doctor suggested to check my Lipoprotein (a), although I got it checked after taking statin for 2 months, it came quite high, almost 3 times of max reference limit. I am concerned with that. Couple of questions, if someone had similar case:
1. Is it possible that statin increased my Lipo (a) numbers?
2. I've been told that this is genetic and I can't anything about it and this means I am at a higher risk than someone within range, what should be my next steps? Is to get calcium score and then finally angiogram to see how much blocking I have at the moment? Its taking emotional toll on me that I may be sitting on a time bomb.
Thanks for help.

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susiewordsmith | @susiewordsmith | May 5 9:00am

In reply to @pamgall "@susiewordsmith I have read their are still clinical trials going on. But, back in October my..." + (show)

@pamgall
Thanks so much for your encouraging news! Very helpful!
Susan

jonwzee | @jonwzee | May 5 12:00pm

Consider a CT angiogram. It's like a CT calcium scan, then they inject contrast that really outlines any plaque buildup. Much better than a stress test in terms of ease. It's like a 15 minute test. Note that Statins actually RAISE the calcium buildup in your arteries but that calcium is believed to prevent plaque breaking off and doing damage.

I got my GP to order it. This test is not a money maker for cardiologists so they prefer to subject you to several low quality of life tests.

ETA; Sorry, I'm new here and unfamiliar to how this forum works. I now see that many previous comments shared this information.

riwiel | @riwiel | Jun 4 7:13pm

In reply to @bitsygirl "@19281928 My understanding is that statins "harden" soft plaque so that a CAC score will go..." + (show)

@bitsygirl This is exactly what my preventative cardiologist told me. That one of the benefits of statins is that they help harden soft plaque, which makes the plaque less likely to break off or travel and cause strokes, etc.

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