Health professionals are currently debating whether healthy individuals should be tested for new risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
One of the things being tested is Lp(a). It can be measured easily, but the results are not always easy to apply in practice.
According to Tone Svilaas from the National Advisory Unit for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Norway, such testing can create unnecessary concern.
A slightly elevated level does not automatically indicate a high risk, especially if no other risk factors are present.
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What Is Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood. For many years, however, it has received limited attention compared with LDL and HDL.
According to Forskning.no, researchers in recent years have identified a clear link between high Lp(a) levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The level is genetically determined and changes only slightly over the course of a lifetime. Therefore, a single blood test is usually sufficient.
Most people have levels that are not considered dangerous. The risk increases particularly among individuals who also have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who smoke.
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The test
Lp(a) is currently used as a supplementary measure, but not as a standalone diagnostic tool.
There is still no approved treatment that directly lowers Lp(a).
Instead, doctors focus on treating other known risk factors more intensively when Lp(a) is also elevated.
Sources: Forskning.no.
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