Season 1 Episode 8: Lipoprotein (a)

LDL may get all the blame — but there’s a darker twin hiding in the shadows.
Same cholesterol core. Same ApoB backbone.
But with one sinister twist: a sticky tail called apolipoprotein(a).
That extra piece transforms an ordinary LDL particle into something far more dangerous. 

Meet Lipoprotein(a) — or Lp(a) — one of the strongest, most under-recognized genetic drivers of premature cardiovascular disease.
It’s pro-atherogenic, pro-thrombotic, and pro-inflammatory — a triple threat that can quietly turn even the healthiest-looking lipid panel into a ticking time bomb. 

In this episode of LipidCurious, we’ll uncover 

1.    What is Lp(a)? 

2.    How and when to test for it? 

3.    What to do when Lp(a) is high?

We’ll walk through genetics, testing strategy, and real-world management — plus a glimpse into the promising therapies now in late-phase trials.
By the end, you’ll understand why Lp(a) is the ghost in the lipid story — invisible on a standard panel, but capable of haunting even the fittest hearts. 

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! 

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.