Lipoprotein A - A Cardiovascular Risk Factor Commonly Ignored

Lipoprotein A - A Cardiovascular Risk Factor Commonly Ignored Guest: Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D. (@VladCVasile) Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D. (@DrSteveKopecky) Lipoprotein (a) is a circulating protein that associates with a cholesterol complex. It comprises two particles — a low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol particle and an LDL-like particle — and apolipoprotein A. Lipoprotein (a) is associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular events independent of the traditional risk factors. It has also been associated with valvular heart disease. Currently, there are no specific drugs that both reduce lipoprotein (a) levels and influence treatment outcomes. Joining us today to discuss lipoprotein (a) is Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D., a preventive cardiologist and co-director of Cardiovascular Laboratory Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Specific topics discussed: Lipoprotein (a) and its impact Plaque formation and pro-inflammatory and pro-clotting molecules Drugs and available treatment options Lifestyle impact Genetic basis and importance of familial awareness Screening for lipoprotein (a) Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV. No CME credit offered for this episode. Podcast episode transcript found here.