Heart Disease Gets Another Plaque

Last week I read an interesting article by Dr William Davis on Lipoprotein(a), or lp(a). He advised that it is the number one most aggressive cause for heart disease and coronary plaque.

It can even cause heart disease and heart attacks in trained athletes like marathon runners who are trim and healthy looking. Hundreds of studies have confirmed the link between high levels of lipoprotein and a greater risk of heart problems.

What was really interesting was the treatment for high Lp(a). Niacin (vitamin B3) at higher doses is the conventional number one treatment for Lp(a). Many doctors don’t recommend it because it has a tendency to cause a hot flush.

So if you have a family history or are concerned about cholesterol etc. here is a quick summary of things about Lp(a) to talk with your doctor about:

Niacin is the number one treatment for Lp(a). Take it once a day, with a large meal, like dinner, and with a lot of water. Dr Davis recommends two 8-12 oz glasses. This works for 90% of people.
Carbohydrates increase Lp(a), fats reduce it. Maybe add healthy oils, like an Extra Virgin Olive oil, to every meal.

Another strange thing about reducing Lp(a) is that a small amount of saturated fat works. Not unlimited! Be very selective, try real cheeses, lean meats, and eggs (but not cured meats, fried foods, and processed foods made with saturated fats).

Hormones have a profound influence over Lp(a). Women can reduce Lp(a) with estrogen (preferably human, not horse) and DHEA. Men can reduce Lp(a) with testosterone and DHEA.
Thyroid has a profound influence over Lp(a). If thyroid function is low (hypothyroidism) which is common, Lp(a) can rise dramatically. Thus, people with Lp(a) may be more susceptible than usual to the undesirable effects of hypothyroidism.

Alcohol reduces Lp(a), in addition to raising HDL.

Vegetarians have higher Lp(a) than meat- and fish-eating people.

Lp(a) can be a cause for high blood pressure, especially in women over 55.

In many ways, you could view Lp(a) as a genetic factor that reverses many of the conventional rules of heart health.

If you have reason to believe that Lp(a) is part of your risk profile for heart disease (family with history of heart disease, high blood pressure in a slender person, cholesterol poorly responsive to cholesterol-reducing drugs are among the "red flags" for Lp(a)), then you should insist that Lp(a) be tested by your doctor. If he/she refuses, time to go doctor shopping.

P.S. To find out more about this online. You might try a Google Search on Lp(a)