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Understanding Your LPA Gene and Heart Health

Heart health matters because the heart and blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. One important genetic factor that influences cardiovascular risk is the LPA gene. Variations in LPA affect levels of lipoprotein(a), often written as Lp(a). Lp(a) is a particle that carries cholesterol and is structurally similar to LDL cholesterol. When Lp(a) is elevated it raises the risk of coronary artery disease independently of other cholesterol numbers.

Why Lp(a) Matters

Unlike LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics and remain relatively stable throughout life. High Lp(a) can promote plaque buildup in arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke even when standard lipid tests look normal. Knowing your LPA genotype can help you and your healthcare provider decide whether additional monitoring or targeted prevention is warranted.

General Heart Healthy Steps for Everyone

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins.
  • Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats. Choose healthier fats such as olive oil and fatty fish.
  • Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercise and strength training most days of the week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit excessive alcohol use.
  • Prioritize stress management, sleep, and social connection.
  • Discuss any supplements or therapies with your healthcare provider before starting them.

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles (GG for rs10455872)

If your genotype is GG at rs10455872, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with substantially higher Lp(a) levels and a markedly increased risk of coronary artery disease. Estimates for increased risk can be as high as about 2.57 times the typical risk. Elevated Lp(a) raises cardiovascular risk independently from LDL cholesterol and other standard lipids.

What this may mean for you

  • High probability of elevated Lp(a) levels. Confirm by ordering an Lp(a) blood test through your healthcare provider.
  • Increased lifetime risk of atherosclerotic disease. Consider earlier and more frequent cardiovascular risk assessments.
  • Standard cholesterol-lowering treatments may not lower Lp(a) substantially. Additional or alternative approaches may be needed if Lp(a) is high.

Recommended next steps

  • Get a quantitative Lp(a) blood test and a full lipid panel.
  • Discuss your results with your healthcare provider or a cardiologist to create an individualized plan.
  • Optimize modifiable risk factors: blood pressure control, smoking cessation, physical activity, healthy diet, and weight management.
  • Ask your provider about treatment options and clinical trials. New therapies directed at lowering Lp(a) are emerging, and some patients may be candidates for specialized care.
1 effect allele (AG for rs10455872)

If your genotype is AG at rs10455872, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with moderately elevated Lp(a) and an increased risk of coronary artery disease, roughly around 1.51 times the risk compared to people without the effect allele. Your Lp(a) is likely higher than average but may vary between individuals.

What this may mean for you

  • Possible increased Lp(a) level. Confirm with an Lp(a) blood test.
  • Moderately increased lifetime cardiovascular risk. Prevention and monitoring remain important.
  • Standard lipid treatment can address LDL cholesterol, but may not substantially change Lp(a).

Recommended next steps

  • Measure Lp(a) and a full lipid panel through your healthcare provider.
  • Focus on aggressive management of other risk factors to offset genetic predisposition.
  • Discuss the significance of your Lp(a) level and whether additional interventions or specialist referral are appropriate.
0 effect alleles (AA for rs10455872)

If your genotype is AA at rs10455872, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with normal Lp(a) levels. Your genetic predisposition for Lp(a)-related coronary artery disease risk is typical.

What this may mean for you

  • Normal likelihood of elevated Lp(a) due to this variant. Lp(a) may still be high for other genetic reasons, but this particular variant is not a driver.
  • Standard heart disease prevention strategies remain highly relevant.

Recommended next steps

  • Consider measuring Lp(a) if you have a personal or family history of early heart disease, unexplained high cholesterol, or recurrent cardiovascular events despite treatment.
  • Continue routine cardiovascular risk screening and adopt heart healthy lifestyle choices.

Diet and Nutrition Suggestions

Diet alone does not dramatically change Lp(a), but it strongly influences overall cardiovascular risk. Focus on patterns associated with heart protection.

  • Emphasize plants: a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Prefer lean protein sources. Include fatty fish rich in omega-3s like salmon and mackerel twice a week when possible.
  • Use healthy fats such as olive oil. Limit saturated fats found in fatty meats, full fat dairy, and coconut oil. Avoid trans fats.
  • Reduce added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
  • Include soluble fiber sources such as oats, barley, beans, and psyllium to support healthy cholesterol levels.

Supplements and Therapies

There are no widely accepted over the counter supplements that reliably lower Lp(a). Some options and considerations include:

  • Niacin has been shown to lower Lp(a) in some people but may cause side effects and is not routinely recommended without medical supervision.
  • L-carnitine and omega-3 supplements may support cardiovascular health but have limited or variable effect on Lp(a).
  • Low dose aspirin may be discussed for primary prevention in select people but should only be started after discussion with a healthcare provider because of bleeding risk.
  • Emerging therapies specifically targeting Lp(a) are in development. If Lp(a) is very high, ask your provider about clinical trials and specialist referral.

Recommended Blood Tests and Monitoring

  • Lp(a) mass or particle concentration test to quantify your level.
  • Full fasting lipid panel: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol.
  • Blood pressure checks, fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c, and basic metabolic panel as part of overall risk assessment.
  • Consider imaging or specialist evaluation if you have multiple risk factors, a strong family history of early heart disease, or very high Lp(a).

Lifestyle Practices That Matter Most

  • Be active: combined aerobic and resistance training helps heart health and weight management.
  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Sleep well and manage stress with practical techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and social support.
  • Maintain regular follow up with your healthcare provider to evaluate overall cardiovascular risk and treatment effectiveness.

Final Notes and Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand predispositions related to LPA and Lp(a). This information is educational and not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, starting supplements, or beginning new therapies. Your provider can combine genetic results with clinical assessment, blood tests, and family history to create a personalized care plan.