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Lp(a) means lipoprotein (a). Lp(a) has a lipoprotein structure nearly identical to LDL cholesterol.

• Lp(a) levels were significantly raised in diabetics
• Significant positive correlation between Lp(a) and total cholesterol and LDL-c. 
• people of African decent tend to have higher levels than Caucasians
• there are no available drugs to lower Lp(a), although researchers state that some research suggests estrogen therapy may help
• that increases in Lp(a) appear to be influencing coagulation factors involved in the occurrence of morning heart attacks.
  • " it is theorized that Lp(a) competes for plasminogen that binds to fibrin and the surface of endothelial cells, inhibiting the break down of fibrin. Thus it appears that Lp(a) alters fibrinolysis (the breakdown of fibrin) occurring at the cell surface and inhibits plasminogen binding to fibrin. The end result is a greater risk of blood clot formation. (Loscalzo et al., 1990)"
• "Lipoprotein A is an altered form of LDL cholesterol that has a structure nearly identical to plasminogen, a protein that forms plasmin which dissolves fibrin. Unfortunately lipoprotein A inhibits the breakdown of fibrin by competing with plasminogen. Lipoprotein A was found to be a key component in blood clots."

Treatment Possibilities

The absence of any drugs to directly lower Lp(a) means looking at items which:

• Lower LDL cholesterol (assuming that it is transformed into Lp(a))
  • Statins or Red Yeast Rice
• Items which increases plasminogen or plasmin
• Items that reduces the incidence of Diabetes, may also reduce Lp(a)
  • Vitamin D (2-4000 Iu/D3 per day)
  • Magnesium , Vanadium
  • 4+ cups of Coffee a day(yumm yumm!)
  • Statins
• Items which dissolves fibrin directly
  • Urokinase