This summary discusses new evidence regarding dietary recommendations to reduce saturated fat (SFA) intake to modulate an individual’s global risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is well-established that lowering dietary intake can reduce Lp(a), a type of cholesterol that can increase the risk of heart disease. However, the role of healthy lifestyle against the risk of CVD with consideration of high Lp(a) levels remains unclear.
Clinical trials show that diet modestly affects Lp(a) and often in the opposite direction to LDL-C. While lifestyle changes don’t affect Lp(a) numbers, doctors recommend people with high Lp(a) stay active, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, avoid smoking, and maintain a healthy body mass.
Lp(a) is mainly controlled by genetics, and diet usually won’t affect Lp(a), but weight loss might. Knowing your Lp(a) can provide more information about the possible impact of cholesterol on your body and how to lower your chance of heart attack. The synergistic effect on cardiovascular disease risk when both LDL-cholesterol and Lp(a) are elevated highlights the importance of attending to those risk factors that can be affected.
Replacement of dietary saturated fat with protein, carbohydrates, or unsaturated fat increases Lp(a) levels in the order of 10-15. Modulation of physical activity has not been shown to consistently affect Lp(a) levels. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, are recommended to patients as a first-line therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. By the age of 5, individuals reach their lifetime level of circulating Lp(a), which remains generally stable throughout their lifetime, regardless of lifestyle.
📹 Managing patients with high Lp(a) | Peter Attia, M.D. & Benoît Arsenault, Ph.D
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Can exercise increase Lipoprotein A?
Lipoprotein(a) is a unique lipoprotein complex in the blood, considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases at high levels (30 mg/dl). Serum Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and remain relatively constant within a given individual. Recent attention has focused on whether serum Lp(a) levels are also influenced by physical activity. Population and cross-sectional studies consistently show a lack of association between serum Lp(a) levels and regular moderate physical activity.
Exercise intervention studies extending from 12 weeks to 4 years indicate that serum Lp(a) levels do not change in response to moderate exercise training, despite improvements in fitness level and other lipoprotein levels in the blood. However, recent studies suggest the possibility that serum Lp(a) levels may increase in response to intense load-bearing exercise training, such as distance running or weight lifting, over several months to years. Cross-sectional studies have reported abnormally high serum Lp(a) levels in experienced distance runners and body builders who train for 2 to 3 hours each day.
Recent intervention studies suggest that 9 to 12 months of intense exercise training may elevate serum Lp(a) levels, but these changes are generally modest (10 to 15). It is unclear whether increased serum Lp(a) levels after intense exercise training are of clinical relevance and whether certain Lp(a) isoforms are more sensitive to the effects of exercise training.
Can you live a long life with high lipoprotein A?
A study involving 139, 362 participants found that individuals with Lp(a) levels equal to or above the 95th percentile have a 1. 5-year mortality risk. The study also found that genetically elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with parental life span and all-cause mortality in a population-based study. The findings suggest that long-term exposure to elevated Lp(a) levels may be associated with a shorter life span. The study suggests that individuals with Lp(a) levels should monitor their health and lifestyle to prevent potential health risks.
Can coQ10 lower lipoprotein A?
Lipoprotein(Lp)(a) is a variant of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) bound to apolipoprotein B100, which is associated with a significant increase in the risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events, aortic stenosis, and atrial fibrillation. Plasma levels of Lp(a) are often resistant to lifestyle changes, so a review of evidence on the effect of weight loss, dietary supplements, and physical activity on this risk factor was conducted. Results showed that body weight loss, a high intake of saturated fatty acids, red wine consumption, and intense physical exercise were associated with significantly lower plasma Lp(a) levels.
Conversely, foods rich in trans-unsaturated fatty acids were associated with increased Lp(a) levels. Dietary supplements, such as coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, and flaxseed, exerted a mild but significant lowering effect on plasma Lp(a). Therapeutic lifestyle changes, including physical activity, diet, and weight management, generally have a positive impact on metabolic risk factors and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Why did my lipoprotein A go up?
Researchers have found that non-genetic factors, such as diet, physical activity, hormones, and certain pathological conditions, can influence Lp(a) concentrations. They found that replacing dietary saturated fat with protein, carbohydrates, or unsaturated fat increases Lp(a) levels by 10-15%. Hormone replacement therapies of androgens and estrogens also impact Lp(a) levels. Both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions modestly impact Lp(a) levels.
Lp(a) levels increase with chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome. Lp(a) levels are associated with hepatocellular damage, with a decrease seen with disease progression. However, the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on Lp(a) levels remains unclear. More data is needed to establish any potential role for other factors.
What is the best supplement to lower lipoprotein A?
Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Niacin has been the primary treatment for hyperlipidemic patients, but its effectiveness in reducing CVD outcomes has been questioned. Natural products, such as l-carnitine, coenzyme Q 10, and xuezhikang, have been shown to significantly decrease Lp(a) levels in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Other natural products, such as pectin, Ginkgo biloba, flaxseed, red wine, resveratrol, and curcuminoids, can also reduce elevated Lp(a) concentrations to a lesser degree. These natural products may represent promising therapeutic agents for Lp(a) lowering.
Should I be worried about lipoprotein A?
Elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may contribute to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral artery disease (PAD), aortic valve stenosis, and stroke. This risk is observed even in the absence of elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). The available evidence lends support to this hypothesis, even when other cholesterol levels are within the normal range.
Does coffee raise lipoprotein A?
This systematic review examines the role of coffee on serum lipoprotein(a) levels in humans. The study was prospectively registered and searched through various databases. Six relevant publications were identified, describing nine experimental trials with 640 participants. Short-term controlled studies found that coffee consumption or coffee diterpenes were associated with either a reduction in serum Lp(a) of ≤11 mg/dL (6 trials, 275 participants) or no effect (2 trials, 56 participants).
However, a cross-sectional study with 309 participants showed that serum Lp(a) was elevated in chronic consumers of boiled coffee, with a median Lp(a) of 13. 0 mg/dL, compared to filtered coffee, with a median Lp(a) of 7. 9 mg/dL. The effect of coffee on Lp(a) is complex and may follow a biphasic time-course. The type of coffee and the method of preparation appear to be important to determining the effect on Lp(a).
Can you live a long life with high Lipoprotein A?
A study involving 139, 362 participants found that individuals with Lp(a) levels equal to or above the 95th percentile have a 1. 5-year mortality risk. The study also found that genetically elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with parental life span and all-cause mortality in a population-based study. The findings suggest that long-term exposure to elevated Lp(a) levels may be associated with a shorter life span. The study suggests that individuals with Lp(a) levels should monitor their health and lifestyle to prevent potential health risks.
Can Lipoprotein A be lowered by diet?
A study examining the impact of a plant-based diet on serum Lp(a) concentrations found that consuming a defined, plant-based diet for four weeks can reduce Lp(a), a highly atherogenic lipoprotein. The study involved 31 overweight and obese individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, who were randomized to a diet with a defined, plant-based diet for four weeks. The results were analyzed using a paired samples t-test.
Can you change your Lipoprotein A?
A lipoprotein (a) test is used to measure the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It is determined by genes and typically reaches an adult level by age 5. However, if you have a high level of cholesterol, it is crucial to improve your heart health to reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. This can be achieved through medication to lower LDL cholesterol, a healthy diet, weight loss, quitting smoking, regular exercise, stress reduction, and blood pressure lowering.
📹 Should you get your Lipoprotein(a) checked? #hearthealth #cholesterol #highcholesterol #prevention
So who should get their lipoprotein a checked and if you don’t know what that is it’s basically a protein that’s off the LDL …
I am LP(a) null. I have the C>T mutation at rs41259144 (chr6:160601075) that substitutes Arginine for Glycine at that position, and causes the protein to truncate and stay immature and inactive. Less than 1 in 1,000 people have this SNV. My blood tests confirm non-detectable LP(a). The drawback is that I have a tendency towards infection. But it doesn’t seem to hurt much. 4 people in my family have lived to be over 100.
But what if you have high Lp(a) in your blood? Lp(a) is a modified LDL particle that has a “tail” protein attached to it. The tail has a sequence of atoms which interfere with the anti-clotting effect of plasminogen, so it promotes clotting. It is estimated that 20% of the world population has Lp(a) particles, which are genetically determined. Statins actually increase the amount of Lp(a), so they’re no help with this. But 81mg aspirin counteracts the Lp(a) thrombogenic effect. The tricky thing is to get the aspirin dose and frequency correct for a particular concentration of Lp(a). Maybe a blood test, like the prothrombin time, could help the doctor titrate the aspirin dosage. Lp(a) is known to increase the risk of ischemic strokes and heart attacks, especially in elderly men, but doctors rarely test for it. You can find articles about this in PubMed.
I did a little self experiment. I get a blood test every two months and check hormones and cholesterol (including Lp(a)). My numbers were approaching the point where I would be put on cholesterol meds. I wanted to lose weight and went on a low carb diet – 60g carbs per day with no calorie restrictions – just eat as much of anything I want – just not carbs. I lost weight pretty rapidly(3lbs./week) but over seven months my Lp(a) went from 34 to 3 – sorry, I don’t remember the units. Also, my hormone profile went from someone in the mid-50s to a 30 year old – not perfect but really good. I am sure there is a genetic component here but in my case it was a resounding success.
Have to say I’m a bit shocked at the recommendation of taking Statins (with all the side affects) … So far I’ve found zero proof statins do anything for Lp(a), even the American Heart Association says they don’t do anything for Lp(a). And, just from my Personal experience, My dr wanted to put me on them too because my Lp(a) was high, I said no. He then said lets get a CT scan and then talk. So I did the CT scan and all clean … so my dr said, well no calcium so no need to go on them then (and 5 years later did just another one and still clean). And trust me, if there was proof statins helped with Lp(a), I would take them, even with the potential side affects. Anyway, just offering a different view.
Why wait three months to test your cholesterol? HyperResponders reacts on dietary intakes and can detect changes within 3-4 days. Everyone that are concerned about their cholesterol levels should get a cholesterol tester. I’ve tested all kinds of supplements that are said to lower cholesterol and also different diets. I know it’s individual but I can see changes within a week.
I’m so confused. So many people say a keto diet reduced all risks for heart disease. So many people say how bad statins are. I’m very confused. Been on a keto diet for months. Blood pressure went to perfect 110 over 77. My LDL 181, Hdl 56, tryg 102, vldl 18, waiting on Apo b results. I am 37 years old 6’2 188 pounds. Trying to do eveytning I can for optimal health. I don’t know which way to go though.
I’m 55 years old, had an ischemic stroke 2 years ago and a stent placed in my left Coronary Artery for 75% blockage a month ago. I’m on blood pressure medication, baby l aspirin, 80mg statin and now blood thinners after the stent placement. My recent Aug 2023 lipid panel my LDL was 47 HDL 44 and triglycerides were 136 this is with use of the statin last 2 years. My cardiologist just had me do a LP(a) test which came back 160. In the last 6 months I’ve even become more aggressive with my diet cutting out most meat and reduce alcohol to almost zero and lowered my sugar and salt intake. I lost 35 pounds from 215 to 180 in the last 6 months through this approach and through a new job where I walk about 35,000 steps a day. I’ve worked out with weights all my life but did not really pay much attention to cardio or diet eating junk food quite often. Any thoughts on what else I can do to increase my chances with preventing further cardiovascular disease.
I was under the impression that LDL was not a concern. New studies have shown that somewhat higher. LDL has been found to be beneficial. Also vegetarian diet I have been reading are not ideal. Also, don’t do statins increase calcifications and has a slew of other side effects, including early on dementia, along with joint pain and muscle or deterioration
Thanks for the info on this. I recently got a cardio panel done and my LPa dropped from the last time I got it checked 2 years ago. it was at 143 and I was very obese and had high trigs and a1c as well, this year I dropped a lot of weight through low fat diet and exercise and my LPa was 85. APo B and Trigs plummeted as well. I did not use statins at the time but now I’m interested in them to further lower my levels. LPa is Still too high but trending in the right direction and I wonder if I redouble my efforts on diet and exercise I can get it down even further or if I should just ask to get on a PCSK9.
I am using the Linus Pauling protocol, Vitamin C and Lysine. A few weeks ago I damaged my arteries around my right knee with a Kneeling Peroneal Stretch. My arteries above and below my knee were swollen to such an extent that I could feel them through my jeans. It was like this for about 3 weeks until I started the Pauling Protocol and then after about 3 weeks I could feel a significant reduction. Maybe it is placebo and/or my body repaired itself miraculously, or it actually worked. I wanted to post this testimony here.