It looks like another type of cholesterol besides LDL (low density lipoprotein) is behind some of the heart attacks people are having. It’s called Lipoprotein (a). Typically LDL is treated with statins such as the drug Lipitor. Unfortunately statins do not affect lipoprotein (a).
So how do people get high lipoprotein (a) levels? From what I have read so far it is mostly hereditary.
So what can you do to lower lipoprotein (a)? Asprin is one way to lower it. Another way to lower lipoprotein (a) is to take Niacin (B-3)
Here is an article about this issue from WebMD.com.
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There about 14 interventions that work to varying degrees. Niacin is usually at 1G+ which needs a doctor to monitor. To see the details of modern treatment see:
http://www.trackyourplaque.com/library/fl_01-019lpa_treatments.asp
Thanks for the information xtronics!
I am a 57 year old female. Healthy athlete. All blood levels OK except LPa at 270mg/dl!! I eat an extremely low fat diet. No family with heart/stroke incidence. I am worried.
I would appreciate any info you can provide
@Kris
There is a lot of good information provided in the link above by xtronics and in the webmd.com article in the post.
One thing I’ve read is that it isn’t only the amount of LPa but the size of it that matters. I do know that taking niacin helped my dad lower his cholesterol numbers so you might want to talk to your doctor about that.