New cholesterol guidelines urge testing sooner, particularly for women
The update adds ApoB and lipoprotein(a) testing to help doctors identify inherited risk earlier and guide more aggressive prevention.
- The American Heart Association urges earlier cholesterol testing for adults starting in their 30s, especially for women. Dr. Jehan Riar, a primary care physician at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, noted these guidelines suggest stricter cholesterol control much sooner in life.
- Approximately one in five people has high Lipoprotein, a genetic risk factor that typically causes no symptoms. This cholesterol-carrying particle resembles "bad" LDL cholesterol but includes an additional protein that may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- New findings from more than 20,000 patients across three major NIH studies suggest elevated Lp may contribute to cardiovascular risk even after standard treatment. Researchers found levels of 175 nmo/L or higher independently associated with increased risk of MACE, stroke, and cardiovascular death.
- If elevated levels are detected, Dr. Subhash Banerjee, an interventional cardiologist at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas, advises patients should work with providers to aggressively lower LDL. People with high Lp are often prescribed statins, with research suggesting offsetting risk by decreasing LDL by an additional 20mg/dL below the general 100mg/dL target.
- A new class of medications in late-stage clinical trials targets the RNA responsible for producing the lipoprotein, and soon there may be drugs available that explicitly lower Lp. The AHA suggests doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly as part of lifestyle management.
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A high lipoprotein(a)-value increases the cardiovascular risk. Experts explain why a blood test is usually sufficient in life.
Handelsblatt
geoHave you ever had your lipoprotein(a) level measured? If not, it's a good idea to address this at the next visit to the family doctor. Blood value reveals a lot about your disease risks.
1 in 5 people may carry this hidden genetic heart risk
Very high levels of the inherited cholesterol-related particle Lp(a) were linked to a greater risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly stroke and cardiovascular death, in a study of more than 20,000 people. Since elevated Lp(a) often flies completely under the radar, a simple blood test could uncover hidden heart risk that standard cholesterol testing may miss.
Doctors Urge Adults To Get Tested For Lipoprotein(a), The 'Sneaky' Cholesterol Tied To Heart Risk Now
Cardiologists recommend testing for lipoprotein(a), a genetic cholesterol risk factor linked to heart disease, now covered by insurance. Awareness is key, as lifestyle changes don't affect Lp(a) levels.
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