SAN ANTONIO — The end of February marks the end of American Heart Month, a time to focus on your hearth health, which really should be happening year-round.
Cholesterol largely impacts your heart health, and now researchers at Flourish Research right here in San Antonio are trying to measure that risk in a new study you may qualify for.
Dr. Seth Baum, the Chief Medical Officer of Flourish Research told us, "About 1% of people in the United States have had their LP(a) literally checked. So most people do not know their Lp(a), even though it's such a threat."
According to Dr. Baum these Lp(a), or Lipoproteins, are made of protein and fats, and carry cholesterol through your bloodstream around the body. But too much of the lipoprotein, called hypercholesterolemia, can result in serious medial problems.
Dr. Baum added, "It causes these problems by increasing inflammation, by increasing plaque formation and increasing clotting. So it's called the triple threat."
High levels of lipoprotein increase your risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, and aortic stenosis which is a narrowing of the valve because of calcification. This is especially the case if you have family history of hypercholesterolemia, or signs of coronary heart disease. "It's like an LDL particle, LDL being what's called the bad cholesterol. LP(a) is a similar type of particle," said Dr. Baum.
Lowering the amount of lipoprotein in the blood is so important, that Flourish Research is currently conducting a study, and they still need more volunteers.
Dr. Baum said, "If you've had a cardiovascular event, certainly you should look into this because, you might qualify. People who are at higher risk for cardiovascular events might also qualify for this study."
You can find out more about this study, and others being run at Flourish Research, on their website.