It can be diagnosed with a blood test and your doctor will need to get your cholesterol as low as they can to minimize the risk of plaque buildup. They may also want to put you on plavix and aspirin.

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I've never had a problem with LDL (90), BP (120/70), heart rate (48-54), nor chest pain, and I live a fairly active life playing pickleball several times a week. On 10/27/22 I suffered an acute STEMI, ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction from 5 blockages, 4 of 100% and one of 60-70%. Oh my!

Got 4 stents in 3 places and 2 angioplasties. Then they checked the lipoprotein a. Turns out my LP(a) is 48, twice what would be expected. Apparently, that stuff is very sticky.

I'm good now with a short run anyway. Was back playing pickleball in 3 weeks, and I feel great. I'm interested to see what the research will reveal about lowering LP(a).

What medications did they put you on? I have to take blood thinners and have to take a statin and a statin injection as well.

I’m so glad you’re okay.

Were you watching NOVA too?

No, but I’m really glad they covered this! I have it and am trying to get the word out. I didn’t know where else to share it. I want people to know this is a thing and get checked.

One needs to have LDL under 60 to be safe from atherosclerosis (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109717412320?via%3Dihub).

Consider going whole foods plant-based. This way there is no cholesterol going into your body and as much as possible leaving it (as fiber binds cholesterol and we excrete it with feces).

LP(a) of 161 (1.61g/L) checking in! Currently on a double blind trial of some new medication to try to lower it.