Lipoprotein(a)

[rayg]

I recently did a Berkley Heart Lab Lipid test. The results were:
LDL 75, HDL 31 Trigicerides 174. So far so good, but the Lipoprotein(a) is 28. I understand that this is heriditary and this is an abnormal protein that is attached to LDL.

Is this correct and is there a treatment beyond VERY low fat diet and excersise along with 10mg Litpitor, Vitamins A,E,C and asprin?  

I had bypass 18 months ago and a Thalium Stress and PET scan tests in August indicated a return of restricted blood flow.

Thanks

[Robert McCoy]

I was under the impression that niacin used in conjunction with Lipitor could cause rhabdomyalisis. How can this be avoided?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Not as much is known about Lp(a) but generally a range of 0 to 37  is considered normal.  Alcohol does not affect Lp(a).

[George]

At what level is lipoprotein(a) considered a low risk for heart disease?Does alcohol lower lp(a)?Thank you.George

[CCF CARDIO MD- CRC]

Niaspan is perscription only and one should avoid self medicating with the OTC Niacin.  500 mg is probably not a large enough dose to have an effect.  1500 mg would be the minimum with 3000-5000 the optimum.  Your doctor needs to be involved in the up-titration in watching liver function tests and cholesterol levels.

[brian]

Interested in any information on treatment of LPa. Mine is
currently 138 with 500 mg of niacin twice daily. Was just switched to Niaspan 500 once at night. Heart attack 7 months

[brian]

Heart attack seven months ago with two stints used. Discovered LPa level abnormally high. Cholesterol numbers are
relatively low (170) with current meds being Zocor, tenormin, prevalite,aspirin. What's next if the Niaspan doesn't do the job? I   am 47 years old, and have been on 10% low fat diet with regular exercise since diagnosed with coronary blockage 5 years ago. The LPa levels have only been checked since the heart attack this past March. They have been checking LPa levels every 4-6 weeks, they went from 132 to 90, and now back to 138 within 6 weeks.

[PATTY]

Can you buy Niaspan over the counter like slow niacin?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks Patty.  Try (with your doctor's permission) taking an aspirin 1/2 hour before the Niacin.  This may help with the flushing.

[PATTY]

I had a lipid profile much worse than yours. With 1500 of Niacin and lipitor in 6 weeks my entire lipid profile is normal. The only problem I have is that I feel hot all of the time. I am taking the slow Niacin that has less flushing and heat side effects, but with this high of a dose, I do have the hot problem. I can live with the heat. I would have surely died with the lipid profile I had.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Niacin may help lower Lp(a) and raise your HDL as well.  I would ask your doctor about this possibility.