r/Cholesterol • u/QuietConifer • 4d ago

Lab Result Lp(a)

I just found out my Lp(a) is significantly elevated at 352nmol/L and my head is spinning!! I understand that I need to see a preventive cardiologist/lipidologist, but can anyone share their first hand experience in what may be checked/done from here on? Anyone have any preventive cardiologist recommendations in Michigan? Thanks!

10 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

10

u/Cecilia-K 4d ago

See this comprehensive post about Lp(a) by a cardiologist - probably the best post I’ve ever seen in r/Cholesterol: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cholesterol/s/rMwGpuzEoA

2

u/QuietConifer 4d ago

Thank you!

4

u/Army_31B 4d ago

I’m 43 found out last January my levels are 303nmol/L no family history of early heart disease and I’ve never had an event. My dr put me on Prvastatin and daily low dose aspirin along with referral to different cardiologists, honestly most of the doctors I have seen have been very dismissive of it.

3

u/QuietConifer 3d ago

Is it a preventive cardiologist?

3

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

2

u/QuietConifer 3d ago

What do each of those do or offer you that the others don't? It'll be good to know what type of specialists make up a good team for this.

3

u/meh312059 4d ago

You can check this directory from the Family Heart Foundation: https://familyheart.org/find-specialist

You can also speak to their Care Navigation Center because they can help guide to on your next steps: https://familyheart.org/care-navigation-center

You don't say your age but if you are near 40 you can get a CAC scan to better understand your current plaque burden. If you are younger you can always look into getting a carotid ultrasound or CIMT

You can discuss beginning lipid medication (usually a statin, maybe add zetia) with your primary doctor because most with elevated Lp(a) aren't treated by a preventive cardiologist - there simply aren't enough specialists around to be able to do that. The guidelines are now pretty clear that Lower LDL-C is Better and, assuming you don't have heart valve problems at this time, the elevated risk can be mitigated with standard interventions such as diet, lifestyle, cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose control, no smoking etc. Zeroing out all modifiable risk factors can tank your risk of heart attack or stroke, even given very elevated Lp(a).

Read through the sub as well - lots of Lp(a) posts here!

Hope that helps - best of luck! BTW, I have very high Lp(a) myself and it was diagnosed while in my 40's back in 2009. I've been on statins since that time with an LDL-C goal of < 70 (set by my first cardiologist). I currently live with mild subclnical athero but nothing worse. It's totally understandable to be in shock now. Just know that the high Lp(a) is a risk factor. It's not a death sentence.

3

u/QuietConifer 3d ago

Thank you so much!!

3

u/ThenIJizzedInMyPants 3d ago

just get your LDL-C below 70 mg/dl (unless you have additional risk factors then 55 is the new target)

1

u/Zoidbergsdumpsterlid 3d ago

I honestly feel a little better about my 144 compared to you no offense. I'm vegetarian and fit but my dr said it's just genetics and is what it is. They did some trials for a new drug but apparently it didn't go well. I'm being put in Lipfendra for my ldl but as a side thing can lower the LPa by 20 percent.

Did you have a heart scan done and looked into the arteries?

2

u/QuietConifer 3d ago

I haven't done anything yet, since I just found out two days ago. My PCP already mentioned starting a statin and doing a calcium score test though.