I'm participating in the Boston Heart Walk to support the efforts of the American Heart Association.
On a pesonal level, I am working to raise the awareness and adaptation of Lp(a) testing in the US. Lp(a) is similar to LDL cholesterol but more dangerous. High levels of Lp(a), can double or even triple a person's risk of a heart attack and is considered a common culprit in heart disease that occurs at a young age. I have met people, like myself, who did not know they had elevated Lp(a) levels and developed cardiovascualr disease, sometimes leading to heart attacks.
International consensus groups recommend one-time Lp(a) testing for everyone. In Europe and Canada, such testing is routine. In the United States, it was not until 2024, that the first official endorsement for Lp(a) testing appeared.
Until it gains wider acceptanance, I encourage people to ask their physician for an Lp(a) test at their next physical. It need only be done once in your lifetime and may alert you to an underlying risk factor.
Stay well,
Rich Potash
