My Lp(a) Story

By Verónica Sánchez

My life changed on August 25, 2011, when I suffered my first heart attack while at work. I had no idea that what I was experiencing was actually a heart attack as my symptoms were not what I associated with a heart attack. I just knew something was wrong and decided to go home early. Twelve hours later, I had a big heart attack and yet I still did not think that I was in a dangerous situation. Thankfully, I was convinced to go to the emergency room and later admitted to the hospital where it was confirmed that I had suffered two heart attacks. I ended up needing triple bypass surgery. I was stunned as to how I ended up in the hospital in such poor health.

I went to the doctor annually for my checkups, I am not a smoker, I am not a drinker; I had a few extra pounds on me, but no one could tell me why this happened to me. I would ask questions at every doctor’s visit with both my primary care and cardiologist, but they could not solve the mystery. Fast forward to 2013, when I changed my OB-GYN physician, and I went in for a well-woman exam. Since she was a new provider, I had to share that I had open heart surgery in 2011, and I brought her my health records. She reviewed them and said the same thing: there is no smoking gun in my past medical records — but she did share that, perhaps, I needed a more detailed cholesterol test called lipoprotein (a), also known as Lp(a) or “L-p-little-a.”

I had never heard of the test. She said that it was a long-shot, but it was a test that might provide answers. After reviewing some brochures that she had about the test, I asked what the cost was and if insurance would pay for it. She said that insurance usually does not cover the test since they do cover a typical metabolic panel. She quoted me an estimated price; I thought about it and made my decision to move forward as an investment in my health. I really wanted an answer.

A few days later, I went to the lab and had the test performed. When the results came in, my gynecologist suggested that I come in for a face-to-face appointment where she would share the results with me. During this meeting, I learned that my lipoprotein (a) was alarmingly high — anything over 50 mg/dL (or 125 nmol/L) is considered high. She explained that high Lp(a) levels, which are largely determined by genetics, can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

In fact, after all these years, the words she shared that have stayed with me all this time are, “Your lipoprotein (a) test results are so high that it was not matter of if something would happen, it was a matter of when would it happen.”

I was stunned to hear the news. When I received the answer to what I was seeking — the reason why I had two heart attacks, why I needed heart surgery — I wanted to know what the plan was to cure it. I learned that there was very little I could have done as this is a genetic condition and there is no cure.

While that may be true, had I had this test before my heart event, I would have been more proactive with my diet and exercise. Seven years later, my youngest brother also learned that his lipoprotein (a) was high but unfortunately, after his heart event, he did not survive and passed away at the young age of 47 on January 3, 2018.

I now know that Lipoprotein (a) is a silent risk health factor and that I need to be proactive. I ask questions during my regular annual health visits with both my primary care and cardiologist. Having a high Lp(a) test is a wake-up call. I advocate for people to learn more about this test to see if they are at risk while there is still time to do something to help mitigate the risk.

The Lp(a) Discovery Project is supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Learn more about this health topic at heart.org/lpa.

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