What is Lipoprotein a?

[Bring it on]

I am a little confused. The Atkins book reads as if Lipoprotein (a) is the fluffy, large non harmful LDL.

I was tested for lipoprotein (a) after starting Atkins and my number went from 66 to something like 11.

I just read the heart scan blog and it asks, do you have lipoprotein (a)?, Small LDL?

I am confused. Is liporotein (a) the good, larger LDL or the smaller, bad LDL.

[StyngerIsAScorpio]

I don't know but I want to, I'll be watching this thread....
Fantastic question, Rich!

[TheWildHaggis]

Originally Posted by Ricardolowcarbo

Is liporotein (a) the good, larger LDL or the smaller, bad LDL.

From what I understand, one known things of Lipoprotein A, is that it is a marker of inflammation. Like when the LDL oxidizes on an arterial wall, or when you have say, gingivitis.

The problem I have with it is that I don't know what other things effect it. Like take that aspirin we're both taking. It lowers inflammation, but it doesn't cure the gingivitis. Besides the normal grind of the body repairing itself, does a big wound, or heavy exercise lead to a false reading?

[maizenbluebabe]

You got me wondering, Rich, and (at least from what I can tell) your numbers seem much better after beginning Atkins.)

following is something I found at Wikipedia. it is a bit complicated but easily understood by the health/medically sophisticated type who hang out here> (Unfortunately it doesnt seem to give any desirable ranges for "good or bad" levels of Lp (a) )

From Wikipedia:

High Lp(a) in blood is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke.[15] Lp-a concentrations may be affected by disease states, but are only slightly affected by diet, exercise, and other environmental factors. Commonly prescribed lipid-reducing drugs have little or no effect on Lp(a) concentration. Niacin (nicotinic acid) and aspirin are two relatively safe, easily available and inexpensive drugs known to significantly reduce the levels of Lp(a) in some individuals with high Lp(a); they should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician.

High Lp(a) predicts risk of early atherosclerosis similar to high LDL, but in advanced atherosclerosis, Lp(a) is an independent risk factor not dependent on LDL. Lp(a) then indicates a coagulant risk of plaque thrombosis. Apo(a) contains domains that are very similar to plasminogen (PLG). Lp(a) accumulates in the vessel wall and inhibits binding of PLG to the cell surface, reducing plasmin generation which increases clotting. This inhibition of PLG by Lp(a) also promotes proliferation of smooth muscle cells. These unique features of Lp(a) suggest Lp(a) causes generation of clots and atherosclerosis.[16]
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008)

Vegetarians have higher levels of Lp-a than fish eaters in one homogeneous tribal population of Tanzania raising the possibility that pharmacologic amounts of fish oil supplements may be helpful to lower the levels of Lp-a.

Fibrates such as benzafibrate or gemfibrozil have significantly lowered Lp-a in some individuals.

Regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol leads to significant decline in plasma levels of Lp-a.

High levels of Apo AI HDL cholesterol are protective against atherogenic potential of Lp-a.

[edit] Cardiology diagnostic tests

Lp(a) cannot yet be regarded as a conventional, well established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, although studies show an ASSOCIATION of Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease, which does not automatically mean a causal relation.[1] While it might well be indicated to measure Lp(a) in high risk patients, the association of Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease is rather complicated.[

[Bring it on]

It's amazing with Atkins and Fish oil my Lp(a) went way down and my HDL went up quite a bit. I just have to get that LDL down. 172 is way too high for my LDL. Oh, and my trigs went from around 250 to 87.

[StyngerIsAScorpio]

Originally Posted by Ricardolowcarbo

It's amazing with Atkins and Fish oil my Lp(a) went way down and my HDL went up quite a bit. I just have to get that LDL down. 172 is way too high for my LDL. Oh, and my trigs went from around 250 to 87.

Rich, you're certainly doing something right! Are you now on SB? How long did you remain on Atkins and which plan?

[maizenbluebabe]

Originally Posted by ;MBB

High Lp(a) in blood is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke.[15

Lp-a concentrations may be affected by disease states, but are only slightly affected by diet, exercise, and other environmental factors.

Commonly prescribed lipid-reducing drugs have little or no effect on Lp(a) concentration.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) and aspirin are two relatively safe, easily available and inexpensive drugs known to significantly reduce the levels of Lp(a) in some individuals with high Lp(a); they should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Vegetarians have higher levels of Lp-a than fish eaters in one homogeneous tribal population of Tanzania raising the possibility that pharmacologic amounts of fish oil supplements may be helpful to lower the levels of Lp-a.


Regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol leads to significant decline in plasma levels of Lp-a.

High levels of Apo AI HDL cholesterol are protective against atherogenic potential of Lp-a.

Lp(a) cannot yet be regarded as a conventional, well established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, although studies show an ASSOCIATION of Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease, complicated.[

Fascinating point about the vegetarians of Tanzania. (IE, at least some vegetarians are at risk for high Lp(a) and there is at least some indication they could benefit from fish oil supplements)

Also, look at the simple things (NON-STATIN) which are thought to help improve this condition. Seeing yourself lower this number from 66 to 11 must be a great relief, Rich and certainly would seem to indicate genuine health benefits from Atkins/South Beach!. And the drop in your trigs is amazing!

[Songwriter]

Originally Posted by maizenbluebabe

Also, look at the simple things (NON-STATIN) which are thought to help improve this condition.

Such as?

[Bring it on]

Originally Posted by StyngerIsAScorpio

Rich, you're certainly doing something right! Are you now on SB? How long did you remain on Atkins and which plan?

I switched over to south beach after my blood test. I was just maintaining.
I found it hard to lose. When I am at my goal weight, I will go back to South Beach as I was able to maintain very well and that is with cheating ever now and then.

But all of the numbers are from when I was on Atkins. I am fully back on induction now.

[StyngerIsAScorpio]

Good for you, Rich! I am so glad that you have achieved the success that you have!
You have to be so proud of yourself! It's not just in the weight loss but look at the physical and biochemical changes you've made! Keep it up! You are an inspiration to lots of us here!

[maizenbluebabe]

Originally Posted by Songwriter

Such as?

see below in bold for the ideas presented in my earlier post:

Originally Posted by ;MBB

High Lp(a) in blood is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke.[15

Lp-a concentrations may be affected by disease states, but are only slightly affected by diet, exercise, and other environmental factors.

Commonly prescribed lipid-reducing drugs have little or no effect on Lp(a) concentration.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) and aspirin are two relatively safe, easily available and inexpensive drugs known to significantly reduce the levels of Lp(a) in some individuals with high Lp(a); they should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Vegetarians have higher levels of Lp-a than fish eaters in one homogeneous tribal population of Tanzania raising the possibility that pharmacologic amounts of fish oil supplements may be helpful to lower the levels of Lp-a.


Regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol leads to significant decline in plasma levels of Lp-a.

High levels of Apo AI HDL cholesterol are protective against atherogenic potential of Lp-a.

Lp(a) cannot yet be regarded as a conventional, well established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, although studies show an ASSOCIATION of Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease, complicated.[

[maizenbluebabe]

Rich, you have done an impressive job of improving the stats which had been so worrisome to you before. And thanks greatly for bringing this up--you made me realize how important it is for me (family history of CVD) to have my Lp (a) checked next time I have a profile done (in about two months.)

[Stevie Renee]

Thanks for posting!