New cholesterol guidelines recommend Lp(a) blood test
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
CirculationAbout one in five people has high blood levels of Lp(a), which increases the odds of a heart attack even in people with no other risk factors for heart disease. High Lp(a) - defined as 125 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or greater - is linked to a 40% increase in long-term risk of heart attack or stroke. Risk rises further with higher values: at 250 nmol/L, risk doubles, and at 350 nmol/L, risk triples. Your genes largely determine your Lp(a) value, which is minimally affected by your eating and exercise habits.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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