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

Hello @csage1010

This is a great question. I know that you have looked at some videos already, but I found one that helps explain this problem quite well. Here is the link, https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/videos/the-lowdown-on-lipoprotein-a/vid-20475871

Has your cardiologist made any recommendations regarding this high level?

Hi, thank you, that was a very helpful video. I don’t get to meet with the lipid specialist for another month. My primary has started me on a statin and baby aspirin in the meantime.

@csage1010

I'm glad to hear that you will be starting a statin and aspirin. Those are great protective measures.
Will you post again with updates?

Yes, I will. I’m surprised this isn’t a bigger group, as apparently 1/5 of the population has elevated Lp(a).

I don’t believe statins can do anything to reduce Lp(a); given your low HDL, you also might want to make lifesyle changes. I shifted to a low-carb healthy fat diet 3 years ago, my Lp(a) dropped from 92 to 66. Took a year.
Lifestyle changes can improve a range of things, including blood lipid profiles, blood sugar, and weight. I lost 50 lbs. and no longer am prediabetic.
Good luck!

Statins have been shown to increase LP(a). Things that reduce it are: keto or very low carb eating and eating only 8 hours a day and fasting 16 hours a day, high dose niacin, high dose vitamin c and absolutely no seed oils.

I am thinking of doing a vegan, low fructose, very low fat diet. There are a few well known (and one really reputable ) doctors that advocate for this. One is Dean Ornish, the others are Caldwell Esselstyn and Neal Barnard. I think I feel more comfortable with that, but I meet with the lipid specialist in one month. You are correct, statins do nothing for Lp(a), except reduce your other risk factors. Appreciate your sharing your success story!

Yes, I am having the most trouble finding a good salad dressing that is made with olive or avocado oil, and I will use it sparingly. You are correct about statins.

Unless you are looking for a particular flavor, what about making your own? Very simple - oil of your choice, good quality vinegar of your choice plus seasonings of your choice, shake and refrigerate. Or even simpler, a small drizzle of oil on your salad, followed by a shake of seasonings and vinegar to taste. Here is just one example, but you can find thousands on line
Peeled garlic clove in a bottle, add 1/4 cup high quality oil, a grind of fresh pepper, a grind of sea salt, 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs (I like rosemary, basil & oregano) and about 1/2 cup of good balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. Shake vigorously now, refrigerate, an shake vigorously before using.
Have you though about making your own dressings?
Sue

@csage1010, @glennose, @whineboy, @hopeful33250, and all in this great discussion -
I have always believed that the best healthy diet is one that can work for you, not just for a week or two, but as a permanent life change. Anything extreme is likely to be discarded because it seen becomes burdensome. And the best changes are usually made incrementally, one or two things at a time. If we had "thrown out the cookbooks" and tried to be radical, I doubt it would have worked.
For example, hypertension is a big deal in both my husband's family & mine, so we use very little, and season our food with onions, garlic, herbs and spices. Ditto with diabetes - so sweets are small, select and a special treat. Over the past few years, we have gradually cut back the frequency and portion of meats, and added beans for a protein boost. My husband has even learned to like tofu, and I have learned to like oven roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts... We travel a lot, and pack our own "road food" - carrots, grapes, nuts (portioned), select snack bars, healthy lunches, even homemade smoothies - fast food is a rare big deal, then we find it meh!

How have you made diet changes that you can stick to long term?
Sue