It goes without saying that it’s hard to get many health professionals to take Lp(a) seriously in any way. And then even if our health professionals will order Lp(a) tests for us, those tests will almost always only be a measure of Lp(a) volume.
The TYP program is relatively unique in that Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of measuring Lp(a) particle number (via a Liposcience NMR test).
This is fantastic!
It seems to me, however, that there are some additional questions we need to ask ourselves.
- What is the CONCEPT underlying the view that it is only Lp(a) volume and particle number that we need to worry about?
- Is it really true that those of us with high Lp(a) only need to worry about Lp(a) volume and particle number?
The easy and oft used way to describe Lp(a) and its dangers is to say that Lp(a) is the “sticky LDL”. Lp(a) is sticky and can easily attach itself to artery walls when they are injured.
This makes sense. So, the therapeutic objective in addressing this Lp(a) “stickiness” property then is to reduce Lp(a) volume and particle number. The less voluminous Lp(a) is in the bloodstream, the less “sticky” LDL there is to adhere to artery walls. Having fewer Lp(a) particles means there are fewer of them to adhere to artery walls.
The most prevalant concept of the mechanism underlying Lp(a) danger is clear: Lp(a) is sticky and, hence, will ITSELF adhere to artery walls. Reduce it’s volume and particle number, problem solved.
In future posts, I will speculate about and outline a broader view of the way the Lp(a) “stickyness” property is dangerous. An implication of this broader view is to continue to measure and try to manipulate Lp(a) volume and particle number. But this view implies that more must be thought about and done.
One interesting thing about this broader view of the Lp(a) stickiness property is that it provides a means for understanding some known significant anomalies related to Lp(a). But more about that later.
I expect that this thread will evolve in ways not yet known, much like the Boswellia thread has. I’m looking forward to the ride.
As always, all my posts should be understood as being part of my attempt to think these issues through for myself. I am not a doctor, nor am I a scientist. It would be foolish for anyone to base their action vis-a-vis heart disease based on my posts. Caveat emptor.
–Â Cross posted at the TrackYourPlaque.com forum