Assessing your risk of cardiovascular disease (Lipid Series - Part 2) | Dr Thomas Dayspring

Genetic Factors

The genetic role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease is significant, as it is largely unaffected by lifestyle changes. Thomas Dayspring explains that while some lipid abnormalities can be improved with diet, Lp(a) remains resistant to such interventions 1. He highlights the importance of genetic factors, noting that certain genetic conditions can lead to either high or low levels of LDL cholesterol and ApoB, impacting cardiovascular risk 2. Dayspring elaborates on the genetic variations that influence cholesterol absorption and clearance, emphasizing the role of PCSK9 and Niemann-Pick proteins 3.

If you weren't born with the right genes, I have a PCSK9 inhibitor that will do exactly what the function of gene does.

--- Thomas Dayspring

Understanding these genetic influences is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and determining appropriate interventions.

   

Atherogenic Impact

Lp(a) significantly impacts cardiovascular risk due to its unique atherogenic properties. Dayspring describes how Lp(a) particles, which are LDL particles with an additional apoprotein, can be more atherogenic than regular LDL particles 4. He explains that the apoprotein attached to Lp(a) has properties that can exacerbate arterial coagulation and bind to oxidized lipids, increasing cardiovascular risk 5. Despite these risks, current treatments like statins primarily target LDL particles, with limited effect on Lp(a) 6.

LP, as dangerous as it is, is a minority LDL poly article.

--- Thomas Dayspring

This highlights the need for targeted therapies to address Lp(a)-mediated risks.

   

Testing Challenges

Testing and treating elevated Lp(a) levels present significant challenges. Dayspring emphasizes the importance of being informed about cardiovascular health and the complexities of interpreting lipid tests 7. He notes that oxidized lipids, which are highly toxic, can exacerbate the risks associated with Lp(a) particles 8. Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment specifically targeting Lp(a), although drugs are in development to inhibit its production.

If you test it yourself when you're three years old and you have no serious concentration of LP, you don't have to check it when you're 50 years old because you didn't get a new genome over those 50 years.

--- Thomas Dayspring

This underscores the importance of early testing and ongoing research to develop effective treatments.