Lipoprotein a - Lp(a) and Heart Health.
Raised levels of Lp(a) are linked to a higher risk of heart events, even if, so called bad cholesterol (LDL), is well controlled.
According to a new study, published in JACC in April 2024, elevated baseline Lp(a) was also linked adverse cardiac events in participants with raised triglycerides already on statins.
In addition, this study also showed that a refined preparation of omega-3 fatty acid EPA, called ICOSAPENT ETHYL - IPE, reduced the first Heart Events in this population.
It was a post hoc data from REDUCE-IT trial and analysed over 7000 patients.
The authors concluded: 'Baseline Lp(a) concentration was prognostic for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events among participants with elevated triglyceride levels receiving statin therapy. Importantly, IPE consistently reduced MACE across a range of Lp(a) levels, including among those with clinically relevant elevations.
Link to the article below:
https://www.jacc.org/doi/epdf/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.02.016
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Dr Bart Olechowski, private heart specialist, regularly sees private patients with chest pains, breathlessness, blackouts and ankle swelling. Dr Bart has private clinics at Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester, at Candover clinic in Basingstoke and at Clare Park Hospital in Farnham. Tests including blood tests, heart beat monitor and echocardiogram can be arranged via his clinics.