Treating High Lp(a): A Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis

What is this lipoprotein(a) and what can we do about it to prevent atherosclerosis?

Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll join in the evidence-based nutrition revolution!
-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

[NutritionFactsOrg]

What can we do in general to minimize heart disease risk? How Not to Die from Heart Disease

[ESumner]

I have my LPa at 65 right now. I’m 36. My father had an early heart attack at 45! Anxiously awaiting the next video!

[tamuctamuc]

I was a seemingly healthy, active guy who had the "Widow Maker" attack at the age of 47. I'd been getting annual check-ups and was told everything was fine. After the attack, I was treated by two cardiologists who never mentioned Lipoprotein (a). I began having my blood tested on my own and the tests I bought included Lp(a). Mine was off the chart! My current cardiologist told me it (high Lp(a)) is my biggest problem. We've attacked it using REPATHA twice per month for about one year. The number has dropped by around 50%. I have been living a Whole Food Plant-Based life for almost four years, lost a lot of weight and I use my treadmill daily.

[sircorkysriley]

in 1992 Dr linus Pauling with a young dr mathais Rath did a whole lecture on this with findings that vitamin C along with L Lysine significantly reduces the production of lipoprotein small (a).
When I asked to have mine checked my doctor looked at me like I was nuts. The lecture is still on youtube Pauling at stanford.

[krzysztofh]

Lp(a) is body's response to endothelial damage, not a cause of it. It will form a plaque, but only in response to injury. It was proven long time ago (unfortunately only on rodents, but mechanism is the same). The problem is that, as it was proven in rats, when they had gene, which was responsible for producing Lp(a) knocked out, they didn't develop plaque, but lived shorter than rats, which developed plaque in response to endothelial injury. Another words, if you get rid of lp(a) you will not develop plaque, but can end up with shorter life. You have to stop injuring your arteries to avoid plaque formation, but please remember, that lp(a) is there to heal, not to cause damage. The higher level of lp(a), the higher body's ability to form the plaque/scub/crust.

[LeoandLongevity]

Is anyone else surprised their doctor never mentions lipoprotein little a to them?

[williammarine]

Just had my LPa levels and Lipid levels checked. I was in the healthy green range for all my cholesterol but very high on my LPa (139). Just scheduled an appointment with a MD that specializes in Interventional Cardiology.

[eelkeaptroot]

But, but, but some of us might be dying to know this...

[truefuschniken]

Love this!!! My brother-in-law died from this, thank you for the info!!!

[gimnyfj]

Interesting content! Had a dream last night of me explaining to DrG my favorite no milk chocolate oatmeal hack so maybe I should share here?! First I mash a banana with a fork, stir in some peanut butter until thick (budget tight so using natural brand with palm oil but recommend peanut-salt only pb), add flax/cocao/salt, stir, add a little more water, stir, add 1/2C. rolled oats, stir, add 1/4C. rolled oats, stir, add pecans & diced strawberry, add a little water, stir .. chase that down with a warm cup of green tea .. amazing :D

[jjwilwil]

My lp(a) above 240 ml/dl. My lipid specialist says the test doesn't show higher so my levels are likely higher. I had a 398 cholesterol levels age 17 and my first stent age 31. I am 46 yrs old with 3 stents now. Scary stuff.

[natsunflower]

Wow this is really interesting. I hope I have low levels but I've never gotten tested... I'm excited to know the role of diet in this phenomenon

As I suspected, in the first case study the cholesterol may have been normal but it certainly was not optimal:
"His low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was elevated at 176 mg/
dL and his high-density lipoprotein was low at 38 mg/dL 4 months before his acute presentation..."
As the best studies show, those who have cholesterol under 150, without drugs, have an extremely low cardiovascular risk.

Similar to type 2 diabetes the best way to have a healthy cholesterol level (and glucose level etc): lose weight. If that doesn't work? lose more weight. Once your BMI is 19 or lower then come back to me. And yes, I know you have very big bones, you're very muscular, and/or you have slow metabolism etc.
I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying to beat yourself up, but first thing to do is stop lying to yourself.
Also the patient was Asian and they are more susceptible to bad LDL cholesterol and excess weight.

[Kim-mgbo]

Never heard of this until I got tested this week. Should be standard test.

[Parralyzed]

Damn you Dr. Greger and your cliff-hangers

[lukasm]

I wonder why I think that a whole food plant based diet and regular physical exercise will be beneficial...

[brendajoyce]

Do you have any information about aRteriosclerosis?

[madisonone]

Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) is very effective at lowering it. A more recent study in 2020 said Statins increase Lp(a). PCSK9 inhibition works but again fairly expensive

[HenchHerbivore]

I just posted a response video to former world's strongest man Eddie Hall's recent blood test vid where his small LDL particles are through the roof and he's totally in denial about the risks. Dr Greger please reach out to him. Would be AMAZING to get him on board if he's willing to listen!

[a-love-supremist]

I want to order this test. Is it also called Lp-PLA2? That's what I'm seeing a cardiologist recommend.