Episode 102: Lipoprotein (a) | Genetic Cholesterol

About this episode

This episode discusses the significance of Lipoprotein (a) in assessing cardiovascular disease risk and recent guidelines regarding its testing.

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) was discovered in 1963 by a Norwegian geneticist by the name of Kåre Berg who studied particles that carried cholesterol in the blood. He found some patients had an additional protein on the low-density lipoprotein. Studies found that patients with elevated Lp(a) had increased risks of cardiovascular disease. However, the levels were not affected by diet, environmental factors, or medications. The result is that this test was largely ignored for the last few decades. Recent dyslipidaemia guidelines released by the United States and Europe have returned a focus back on to Lp(a). They recommend that patients should have Lp(a) tested once throughout their life to assess their cardiovascular disease risk. The result can help identify which patients are at a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and who will benefit from lifestyle modification and early intervention. This resource is referenced during the discussion:  https://www.lpaclinicalguidance.com/ This is the story of lipoprotein (a). Our Special Guests: Dr Michael Page is a chemical pathologist at Clinipath in Perth, senior lecturer at the UWA Medical School, and immediate…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Michael Page

Topics covered

• Lipoprotein (a)
• Genetic Cholesterol
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Dyslipidaemia Guidelines
• Health Risk Assessment

Keywords

• Lipoprotein (a)
• cholesterol
• cardiovascular disease
• genetic testing
• health guidelines
• dyslipidaemia
• risk assessment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Clinipath, UWA Medical School, AMA (WA), RACGP, Auscast Network

Books & works: This Medical Life

Places: Perth

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