The Family Heart Foundation established Lipoprotein(a) Awareness Day to raise awareness worldwide of elevated Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a). On March 24, we will use the power of our voices so that everyone understands why they should #KnowLpa. Through national and local media, as well as social media engagement, we will draw attention to this important inherited disorder and encourage everyone to join the movement. And we need your help!
By sharing important information, we can empower all stakeholders to spread the word about high Lp(a) as an under-recognized cause of premature heart disease and stroke. Over the last 10 years, the Family Heart Foundation – together with our advocacy partners, clinical champions, and patient advocates – have reached tens of millions of people with life-saving information about Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
This March we can reach more people at risk for early heart disease and stroke with the second annual Lp(a) Awareness Day and make a difference for those who may never have heard of this very common genetic condition.
Understanding Lp(a) Risk
Individuals with elevated Lp(a) typically reach their adult levels by the time they’re five years old. This means, just like with familial hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis can begin early in life. The risk for early heart disease and stroke is roughly 2-4 times higher than the general population. High Lp(a) occurs in 1 in every 5 people, but fewer than 1% of those people know they have it.
There are currently many medications available to lower LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the only FDA-approved therapy to lower Lp(a) is lipoprotein apheresis. It’s a dialysis-like procedure where a machine physically removes both Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol from the blood stream on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This 3-hour process involves removing blood from one arm, passing it through a special column to extract the LDL and Lp(a), and returning the blood to the other arm. For apheresis to be approved, a person must have an Lp(a) greater than 60 mg/dl, have FH, and/or a known vascular disease. Click here to view Lipoprotein Apheresis center locations
Even without medication, people with FH and high Lp(a) can work to reduce all other risk factors. If you are overweight, try to get to a healthier weight. If you smoke, please quit. These are not easy changes to make, but the sooner you do it – the better. If you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure or diabetes, take all prescribed medications.
Read Real Patient Lp(a) Stories
Spread The Word to Raise Awareness
This content was shared with Cardiometabolic Health Congress by our partner, Family Heart Foundation, in observance of Lipoprotein(a) Awareness Day. Share this story to help spread awareness and use the hashtag #KnowLpa.
