My sister Catherine died of a heart attack in her sleep. She was only 23 years old. She had elevated Lipoprotein (a), an incredibly common condition that affects as many as 1 in 5 people worldwide. She had been healthy as far as we knew, but the blood vessels around her heart had been clogging silently and she was gone before there was anything we could do about it.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Genetic causes of early heart disease are too often missed. Odds are good that you know someone who has elevated Lipoprotein (a). It may even be you. Despite the fact that so many people have this and are at risk, current research indicates that less than 1% of adults have ever been tested for this.
The test for this is a simple blood test. It is not part of a normal lipid panel. An individual’s Lp(a) level remains relatively constant throughout their life, so currently this test only needs to be ordered once.
I joined the Family Heart Foundation as an advocate for awareness just three months after my sister passed. I was fueled by the knowledge that there are others living with this who do not know their risk and they do not know that there are steps they need to take today.
Having elevated Lp(a) is not a death sentence. It’s something we need to know about ourselves so we can take charge of our health. As a pediatrician, I fully believe in the power of early diagnosis and preventative care.
Thankfully, our Gifford providers are informed and aware of this important genetic risk factor for heart disease. We have added a one-time screening for Lipoprotein (a) to our standard practice guidelines. This is a major step forward and an important move for our patients and community.
As a board member of the Family Heart Foundation, I also have a behind the scenes look at the research being done to help identify individuals with elevated Lp(a) and treatment options that are coming down the pike. I am excited about the buzz and the forward movement around this important genetic cause of early heart disease and I am hopeful that other families will not have to suffer a great loss to learn about their own risks.
My goal is to help shine a light so brightly so that all who are affected by Lp(a) are found and empowered!
If you are interested in learning more or taking a deeper dive into Lp(a), I have selected a few resources below.
Resources/further information:
MoreFamiliesMoreHearts.org
https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(22)00108-8/fulltext
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATV.0000000000000147#
https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(19)30086-8/fulltext
~ for Catherine
