Lipoprotein(a) levels are not affected by the foods you eat or your activity level. There are no prescription medications, including statin drugs, that have a meaningful impact on reducing levels. That doesn’t mean you don’t have options if you live with an elevated lipoprotein(a). Research suggests certain supplements, such as omega-3’s, niacin, and vitamin C, may help lower lipoprotein(a) in some people.
Work with your doctor to learn your lipoprotein(a) level and the best treatment approach for you.
Eight steps to lower your cholesterol
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Elevated lipoprotein(a) can cause problems. If your vessel walls are damaged, the body produces more lipoprotein(a) to repair vessel walls. Too much lipoprotein(a) concentrates at damage locations along your artery walls, binds with two amino acids resulting in LDL cholesterol being dumped at the “site,” and oxidized LDL is deposited in the artery wall, which escalates the build-up of plaque. As the plaque forms, lipoprotein(a) encourages the formation of a blood clot on top of the plaque. All of this acts to narrow the blood vessel and impedes blood flow.
What you don’t know just might hurt you!
One reason for elevated lipoprotein(a) levels is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and constant arterial wall damage causing the body to produce excess lipoprotein(a) in an attempt to repair the damage. Another reason for high lipoprotein(a) levels is genetics. Even if you do not have signs of heart disease, meaning your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal, you may still have elevated lipoprotein(a) due to genetics.
Continue readingLipoprotein(a) is formed when one LDL molecule is attached to a protein called apolipoprotein(a). (FYI: Lipo = fat; hence the name lipoprotein, fat with protein.) A healthy level of lipoprotein(a) is beneficial and will:
Lipoprotein(a) at healthy levels acts as an “artery patch.”
Basically, lipoprotein(a) at healthy levels acts as an “artery patch”.
Read more: Dangers of elevated lipoprotein(a) levels.
Eight steps to lower your cholesterol
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Lipoprotein(a) is a type of cholesterol we all have; however, it’s not a cholesterol routinely monitored by physicians. Typically you receive a standard lipid panel which gives you the following labs: