Topics › Heart & Cholesterol
Heart & Cholesterol: News and Plain-Language Guide
What Lp(a) is, who should ask about testing, how it differs from LDL, and where one-time gene editing for cholesterol stands.
Get the newsletter →Cholesterol science is changing, from blood tests that look past LDL to experimental one-time gene editing treatments. We explain each development and what is proven.
Quick answer: Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is mostly inherited. The American Heart Association says a level of 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher may raise heart attack and stroke risk, a standard lipid panel does not measure it, and every adult should be tested at least once.
What is Lp(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) carries cholesterol in the blood. MedlinePlus notes that your genes largely set your level, it usually reaches its adult level by about age 5, and diet and exercise may not change it. Most people with high Lp(a) have no symptoms (CDC).
Who should ask about an Lp(a) test?
- Anyone, at least once in adulthood, per the American Heart Association.
- Especially people with a personal or family history of heart disease before 55 in men or 65 in women.
- People with familial hypercholesterolemia or a relative with high Lp(a).
Talk with your clinician about whether and when to test.
Lp(a) vs LDL
LDL is part of a standard lipid panel and is strongly influenced by diet, medicines and genes. Lp(a) is a separate particle, measured with a separate test, and largely set by genes. A clinician interprets both together with age, blood pressure and other factors.
One-time gene editing for cholesterol
Some companies are testing in vivo base editing that switches off the PCSK9 gene in the liver to lower LDL. Lilly reported interim Phase 1b data on VERVE-102 in 35 participants, with mean LDL-C reductions of 9% to 62% depending on dose. This is an investigational treatment in early trials, not an approved option.
Latest Heart and Cholesterol stories
First stories in this section are being written. Get notified when the newsletter opens.
Frequently asked questions
What is a high Lp(a) level?
The American Heart Association says 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher may increase heart attack and stroke risk.
Can diet lower Lp(a)?
MedlinePlus says diet and exercise may not change Lp(a), though they still help lower overall heart risk.
Is there a one-time treatment for high cholesterol?
Not an approved one. One-time gene editing approaches such as VERVE-102 are in early clinical trials.
Should I test Lp(a)?
The American Heart Association recommends every adult be tested at least once. Ask your clinician.
Sources
Related topics
Darwi is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified clinician about your health. Medical disclaimer.