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

I am watching salt too so I don't even add salt or pepper to my olive oil/balsamic vinegar mix. I can't find it now but at one time I was using fig balsamic vinegar and was that good. I liked it with salads that have fruit in them. Of course I am using imported 100% extra virgin Italian olive oil and balsamic vinegar. And forget butter. I put olive oil on corn on the cobb even. And olive oil on rustic bread is yummy. FYI for all, lemon juice is a great substitute for salt on things

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about the article, @whineboy. I agree that the most important thing in our health has to do with our lifestyle decisions.

Eating well and exercising is vital.

Hello Teresa,

I finally worked through that very technical article. I'm not sure if it is relevant to the general population, 85% of participants were caucasian, ~ 86% of the 81 participants had familial hypercholesterolimia, and ~ 19% were smokers. The authors noted the small size and observational nature of the study (not an RCT) were limiting. Yes, the study showed that for those with the LMW apo(a) phenotype, whatever that is 🙂 , statins increased Lp(a) significantly, but not for those with the HMW apo(a) phenotype. Interestingly, the paper did not identify the statins used or their dosages.

I was pleased to see the authors noted that reduced fat intake and shifting from dietary saturated fat to unsaturated fat was previously associated with increased Lp(a).

There are a couple of Annie’s dressings that I like; the sodium content is modest compared with most others, but they are made with canola oil so no more of those. I will have to learn to like balsamic vinegar, which I am sure I can do.

Sounds delicious.

Hi @whineboy,

I appreciate your pointing that out. I cited an incorrect link when I posted to you earlier today. I should have posted, https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(19)31392-9/fulltext. This article states that in certain individuals it does increase the lipoprotein (a). It seems to be dependent on the apo phenotype.

The different studies certainly were confusing,

Hello Teresa,

Thank you for citing that article entitled “ Statin therapy increases lipoprotein(a) levels”.

I am confused, the authors state statins increase Lp(a). At the end of the publication they say “In conclusion, this well powered study shows significant increases in Lp(a) following statin therapy, as well as an increase in apolipoprotein(a) production in cell culture studies with statins. We propose that future studies evaluate this phenomenon and physicians consider measuring Lp(a) pre- and post-first initiation of statin therapy. The adverse consequences of increases in Lp(a) levels post-statin therapy may play a role in the residual risk in patients treated with statins and should be evaluated in future studies.”

Makes me want to decrease my statin dose even further.

Hello @whineboy,

I'm glad that you joined this discussion on the treatment of Lipoprotein (a). I'm glad to see that diet helped you to decrease your numbers. A healthy diet can certainly affect everyone's general health. Statins, however, have been shown to decrease Lipoprotein (a) as well. Here is a study published in the NIH that substantiates the effectiveness of statins.
https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(19)31392-9/fulltext
@csage1010 and others interested in this topic all realize that a combination of a healthy diet as well as statins can make a big difference. in cardiovascular health.

Primal Kitchen makes their dressings with avocado oil. I make my own with olive oil, herbs and raw vinegar.

I'm lazy - Primal Kitchen has a range of avocado oil dressings (they are pricey) and Whole Foods has some made with olive oil (I like the romano cheese vinaigrette).