# 185 – Lipoprotein(a): the cholesterol you never heard about until recently

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-body-of-evidence-1096717/185-lipoprotein-a-the-cholesterol-you-never-heard-about-until-recently.md
Podcast: [The Body of Evidence](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-body-of-evidence-1096717)
Published: 2026-05-21T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://sites.libsyn.com/213140/185-lipoproteina-the-cholesterol-you-never-heard-about-until-recently
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Duration seconds: 2007

## Resource

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is suddenly all the rage because several drug companies are working on medications to lower this previously resistant form of cholesterol. Almost entirely genetic, unaffected by diet or lifestyle, it has numerous studies linking it to heart disease and aortic valve calcification. But it may not be the ticking time bomb some influencers like to claim. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The genetic nature of Lp(a) levels: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1386087/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in 500,000 US patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27659098/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in 2.9 million Chinese adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40266173/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in the INTERASPIRE study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40436467/ Variation of Lp(a) by sex: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27659098/ One of the many studies linking Lp(a) to cardiovascular disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33115266/ High Lp(a) and aortic stenosis: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1109034 FH and Lp(a) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32466883/ The ongoing Lp(a) trials https://familyheart.org/lpa-clinical-trials

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