Connections Newsletter August 2019

LIPOPROTEIN(a) & HEART DISEASE

Coming This Month:

Quarterly Education:

Different Types of Cardiac Testing.................................. August 10th

Moderate Exercise Options .................................. August 17th

Stress Management.................................. August 24th

Heart Healthy Recipe.................................. August 31st

Metabolic Syndrome.................................... September

For assistance with a diagnosis, contact ConnectCare3 by calling 877-223-2350 or by emailing us at info@connectcare3.com

For more information about ConnectCare3 visit our website, www.connectcare3.com

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It is often tempting to think that people who exercise, are thin, or look healthy are at a low risk for heart disease. You can be thin, exercise, and eat a lot of kale and still be at risk for heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) for short, is a particle in the blood that carries cholesterol, fats and protein. Whether it is detectable in your blood depends on whether you inherited the ability to produce it from one or both of your parents. It does not change very much during your lifetime except if you are a woman; levels increase as the natural estrogen level declines during menopause.

OVERVIEWAbout 20% (or one in five people) have high levels of Lp(a) from birth based on genetic factors they inherited from their parents. Most do not know they have it. High Lp(a) is the strongest, single, inherited risk factor for early coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the aorta.

As high levels of Lp(a) travel through the blood stream, it collects in the arteries, leading to gradual narrowing of the artery that can limit blood supply to the heart, brain, and kidneys as well as the legs. It can increase your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

Sources:www.lipoproteinafoundation.org www.mediterraneanbook.com

Connections Newsletter August 2019

Correcting controllable lifestyle risks is important for reducing your overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

One way to limit your risk is to eat a healthy diet. People with high Lp(a) appear to benefit from good fats in their diet. Nuts, fish, avocados, olive oil, and other food from the Mediterranean Diet might be a good option. This diet emphasizes vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, and legumes while limiting dairy, meats, eggs, added sugars, and refined grains.

Other ways to limit your risk would be:• Exercise 30-60 minutes every day• Stop smoking• Maintain a stable weight• If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per

day for women and two drinks per day for men. • Manage stress with regular physical activity and

relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation.

There isn’t a medicine available yet that lowers high Lp(a). Medicines called statins only lower LDL cholesterol. The good news, however, is that lowering all your other risk factors may lower your overall risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Certain at-risk individuals should talk to their doctor about being tested for Lp(a). These include:

• You have a family member with early heart disease or stroke (men younger than 55 and women younger than 65).

• You know of a family member with high Lp(a). If a parent has high levels their children have a 1 in 2 chance of being high as well.

• You suffered a heart attack or stroke with no other known risk factors.

• Your cholesterol is high despite taking a medication prescribed by your doctor to reduce it.

A simple blood test can measure your Lp(a) level; however, it is not included in most standard cholesterol or lipid panels. Talk to your doctor and ask if this test is appropriate for you. Not all insurance companies cover this particular testing, so be sure to discuss coverage with your insurance provider.

RISK FACTORS

LIMITING YOUR RISK