Hidden Cholesterol Risk For Heart Attack: When it comes to heart health, people usually pay attention to cholesterol figures like LDL, HDL and triglyceride. These parameters are also checked in most health checkups. But cardiologists say that sometimes an important factor remains ignored, which is called lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a). This is a cholesterol particle that is not often included in the normal lipid profile, but may play a large role in increasing the risk of heart disease.

Heart attack cases are increasing

Doctors in India are seeing a worrying trend. Many people whose cholesterol report is normal are also becoming victims of heart attacks at the age of 30–40. The National Institute of Health believes that increased Lp(a) levels due to genetic reasons may be an important reason behind this. This factor is mostly influenced by genetics, so diet or exercise has limited effect on it.

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What is Lp(a)?

Lp(a) is actually a particle similar to LDL cholesterol, but with an additional protein attached to it. This protein makes it responsible for behaving differently in the body. When present in large quantities, it can speed up the process of plaque formation in arteries, increase inflammation in blood vessels and also increase the chances of blood clots. This is why it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The case is increasing rapidly in India

According to experts, cases of premature heart disease are increasing rapidly in India. It has been said in many reports that a major part of the total deaths in the country are related to heart diseases. It is a matter of concern that heart attacks in many patients are happening 10 to 15 years earlier than in western countries. Genetic predisposition, diabetes, high blood pressure, inactive lifestyle and hidden lipid markers like Lp(a) can increase this risk.

Interestingly, Lp(a) is not examined in normal cholesterol tests. Therefore, the reports of many people appear normal, but this risk remains present in their body. Doctors say that people whose family has had cases of heart attack or stroke at a young age, should definitely get this test done.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Heart disease in America still remains the most dangerous disease. Every year millions of people lose their lives because of this. In the year 2022, about 1 million Americans died of heart disease, that is, one person died every 34 seconds. This figure is really intimidating. It is more concerned that more than half of American adults are struggling with some kind of heart disease, whether they know it or not. There are many reasons behind this – high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and genetic causes. Especially high blood pressure and cholesterol cases are increasing continuously.

Experts estimate that by 2050 more than 18 crore American will be affected by high blood pressure and obesity, and diabetes cases will also increase. Recently, American cardiologist Dr. Aloe told about two blood tests on Instagram, which can only detect the risk of heart disease. Come, let’s know what these tests are and what is their importance?

Cholesterol test

When you get a cholesterol test done, doctors check the total cholesterol, LDL (poor cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood.

Bad cholesterol (LDL)

It has been believed for a long time that LDL i.e. bad cholesterol causes heart attack and stroke by closing the veins of the heart and brain. According to Dr. Aloe, if the LDL is more than 60 mg/DL, then the danger starts increasing. The more LDL, the sooner the problem can be serious. Usually healthy people are advised to keep people with LDL 100 and already with heart disease less than 70. According to a research published in the JAMA Cardiology Journal, it is more beneficial for the heart to reduce LDL by 70. The risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases decreases by about 20% if every 39 mg/DL LDL is reduced. For example, if someone’s LDL decreases from 70 to 31, the risk of heart problem can be reduced by 20%.

The special thing is that the way to reduce LDL, whether it is from medicines (such as Statin, Ajtimib or PCSK9 injection) or by changing lifestyle, benefits are available. The best thing is that there is no new danger even when bringing LDL up to 20 mg/DL – neither diabetes, nor liver problem, nor cancer, nor stroke. Hence it is said, the less, the better, the better.

Good cholesterol (HDL)

HDL means good cholesterol is always considered beneficial for the heart, but research shows that it does not give the same benefit for everyone. The effect of HDL in different breeds and communities may vary. That is, having more HDL does not guarantee heart health every time. So just cholesterol test does not show the complete picture.

APOB (APOB) Test

Here the apolipoprotein B (APOB) test becomes important. Every bad cholesterol particles present in our blood (eg LDL, VLL, IDL) have a molecule of APOB. The APOB test directly states how many dangerous particles are in your blood, which can close the nerves. Many times the LDL looks normal in the normal cholesterol test, but the APOB test shows that the danger is actually more. According to recent research by American experts, APOB test is the most accurate way to understand the risk of heart disease, which is even better than LDL.

Why is it necessary to catch the danger in time?

Dr. Aloe says that the symptoms of heart attack often look very late, sometimes decades later. But if you identify the danger at the age of 20, 30 or 40, then you can avoid heart attack or serious illness. You can improve your diet, change lifestyle or take help of medicines if needed. With this you can keep your heart healthy for a long time.

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