While most health-conscious people diligently monitor their cholesterol, sugar, and blood pressure, cardiologists are now calling attention to another silent player in heart health — Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). U.S.-based cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, widely known as @heart_transplant_doc on Instagram, recently warned that this “unpopular blood test” could be the missing link between apparently healthy lifestyles and unexpected heart attacks.
In his viral post titled “The one blood test you wish you knew about sooner,” Dr. Yaranov wrote, “It’s called Lp(a) — short for Lipoprotein(a) — and chances are, no one’s ever told you about it. Not your doctor. Not your trainer. Not your cardiologist — unless they’re thinking ahead.”
Why it matters even when your cholesterol is perfect
According to Cleveland Clinic, Lp(a) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — the so-called “bad cholesterol.” However, unlike typical LDL, Lp(a) doesn’t just clog arteries; it also makes blood clots harder to break down and triggers inflammation that can rupture plaque deposits. The combination can sharply increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, aortic valve disease, and other cardiovascular complications, even when routine cholesterol levels appear normal.
Dr. Yaranov explains, “One in five people have high Lp(a). Because it’s genetic, lifestyle changes won’t bring it down.” That means even people who eat clean, exercise regularly, and never smoke may unknowingly carry a high cardiovascular risk if their Lp(a) levels are elevated.
A once-in-a-lifetime test
Unlike standard cholesterol tests that need regular tracking, the Lp(a) test usually needs to be done only once in your lifetime, since the levels are primarily determined by genetics. Cleveland Clinic notes that the normal Lp(a) range is below 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything higher may indicate an increased risk of heart and vascular disease.
Since the test isn’t part of a standard lipid profile, patients often need to specifically request it. “I’ve seen patients who run marathons, eat clean, and never smoked — but had massive heart events. The missing link? Lp(a),” Dr. Yaranov emphasized.
Awareness is key
Researchers are still exploring effective ways to lower high Lp(a) levels. As of now, no drug has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this specific purpose. However, physicians recommend managing other modifiable risk factors — such as high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension — to protect the heart while researchers work on targeted therapies.
Heart disease continues to be one of the world’s leading causes of death, often catching people off guard. Dr. Yaranov’s advice is clear and urgent: “Don’t wait for symptoms. Prevent the crisis before it happens. Know your numbers. Ask about Lp(a). That one test could save your life.”
So the next time you schedule your annual health check-up, consider looking beyond your usual cholesterol and sugar readings — because sometimes, the danger lies in what’s not being tested.
In his viral post titled “The one blood test you wish you knew about sooner,” Dr. Yaranov wrote, “It’s called Lp(a) — short for Lipoprotein(a) — and chances are, no one’s ever told you about it. Not your doctor. Not your trainer. Not your cardiologist — unless they’re thinking ahead.”
Why it matters even when your cholesterol is perfect
According to Cleveland Clinic, Lp(a) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — the so-called “bad cholesterol.” However, unlike typical LDL, Lp(a) doesn’t just clog arteries; it also makes blood clots harder to break down and triggers inflammation that can rupture plaque deposits. The combination can sharply increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, aortic valve disease, and other cardiovascular complications, even when routine cholesterol levels appear normal.
Dr. Yaranov explains, “One in five people have high Lp(a). Because it’s genetic, lifestyle changes won’t bring it down.” That means even people who eat clean, exercise regularly, and never smoke may unknowingly carry a high cardiovascular risk if their Lp(a) levels are elevated.
A once-in-a-lifetime test
Unlike standard cholesterol tests that need regular tracking, the Lp(a) test usually needs to be done only once in your lifetime, since the levels are primarily determined by genetics. Cleveland Clinic notes that the normal Lp(a) range is below 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything higher may indicate an increased risk of heart and vascular disease.
Since the test isn’t part of a standard lipid profile, patients often need to specifically request it. “I’ve seen patients who run marathons, eat clean, and never smoked — but had massive heart events. The missing link? Lp(a),” Dr. Yaranov emphasized.
Awareness is key
Researchers are still exploring effective ways to lower high Lp(a) levels. As of now, no drug has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this specific purpose. However, physicians recommend managing other modifiable risk factors — such as high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension — to protect the heart while researchers work on targeted therapies.
Heart disease continues to be one of the world’s leading causes of death, often catching people off guard. Dr. Yaranov’s advice is clear and urgent: “Don’t wait for symptoms. Prevent the crisis before it happens. Know your numbers. Ask about Lp(a). That one test could save your life.”
So the next time you schedule your annual health check-up, consider looking beyond your usual cholesterol and sugar readings — because sometimes, the danger lies in what’s not being tested.
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