Lipoprotein a (Lp a) - Alinity c
General information
How does Lp(a) affect atherosclerosis?
Lp(a) stands for Lipoprotein (a), a genetically inherited lipoprotein that plays a role in cholesterol transport in the blood. It consists of two main proteins: apolipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B. High levels of Lp(a) are considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, as they contribute to atherosclerosis—where arteries become blocked.
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a) plays a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis by contributing to plaque buildup in arteries and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here’s how Lp(a) influences this process:
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Promotes inflammation – Lp(a) contains oxidized phospholipids, which trigger inflammatory responses in blood vessels, accelerating atherosclerotic lesion formation.
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Encourages plaque buildup – Similar to LDL (“bad” cholesterol), Lp(a) accumulates in arteries, leading to narrowing and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Enhances blood clotting – Lp(a) contains apolipoprotein (a), which can inhibit fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots), making clot formation more likely.
Since Lp(a) levels are genetically determined, conventional cholesterol-lowering methods, such as statins, do not significantly impact Lp(a). However, specific therapies are currently being developed to reduce Lp(a) levels and lower cardiovascular risk.