WHAT IS LIPOPROTEIN a?

Lipoprotein a is sub-type of low density lipoprotein. This genetic type of lipoprotein is not tested for when a cholesterol panel in ordered. Usually what is done is Total Cholesterol with LDL and HDL.

This panel is not enough to diagnose the sub-type of cholesterol that leads to early heart disease and stroke.

So, look into your family history for those who have had early heart disease and stroke. This is your first clue and asked to be tested for this genetic sub-type.

I was told I had this type of cholesterol all my life and never knew it until I had this problem with my carotids

To understand how this type of cholesterol works on the bodies arteries. An understanding of how this type of lipid competes with the bodies ability to break down clots is necessary.

Our bodies have a unique way of breaking down clots(this is called the fibrinolytic system). This system is compromised when lpa competes on the arteries lining with a substance called plamsminogen(plamsminogen is what breaks down clots) without it, the body is placed in a hypercoaguable state(prone to clotting).

I will go into more at a later posting on this mechanism of action.

Stay well
Laura