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In this episode of Your Checkup, we break down lipoprotein(a) — a largely inherited form of cholesterol that can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, even when standard cholesterol numbers look normal. We talk about what Lp(a) is, why it matters, who should be tested, and how it helps explain “unexpected” heart events in otherwise healthy people. While Lp(a) can’t currently be lowered with diet or exercise, knowing your level allows you and your care team to be more intentional about prevention by aggressively managing other risk factors like LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. We also discuss what the numbers mean, why most people only need to be tested once, and the promising treatments currently being studied that may change care in the future.

References (for Show Notes)

1. Nordestgaard BG, Langsted A. Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease. Lancet. 2024;404(10459):1255-1264.
2. Reyes-Soffer G, et al. AHA Scientific Statement on Lipoprotein(a). Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2022;42(1):e48-e60.
3. Di Fusco SA, et al. Lipoprotein(a): Risk Factor and Emerging Target. Heart. 2022;109(1):18-25.
4. Nasrallah N, et al. Lp(a) in Clinical Practice. Eur J Clin Invest. 2025:e70127.
5. Greco A, et al. Lipoprotein(a) as a Pharmacological Target. Circulation. 2025;151(6):400-415.
6. Bess C, Mehta A, Joshi PH. All We Need to Know About Lipoprotein(a). Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2024;84:27-33.

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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN

Artwork Rebrand and Avatars:

Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)

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Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski