Hidden Cholesterol Marker: Due to changing lifestyles, the incidence of heart attacks is rapidly increasing. Surprisingly, even people with normal cholesterol levels can be at risk. Learn what experts say.

How to keep the heart healthy?

Hidden Cholesterol Markers: Due to changing lifestyles, we are facing a variety of heart-related problems. When it comes to heart health, people typically focus on cholesterol levels like LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Most people assume that if their cholesterol levels are normal, their hearts are completely safe. However, in recent years, several cases have been reported where people suffered heart attacks at a young age, even though their normal cholesterol levels were not significantly abnormal. This is why doctors are now focusing not only on LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, but also recommending testing for hidden risk factors that may not be visible in standard tests. Experts say that sometimes, problems exist within the body that are not visible in reports but can have a serious impact on heart health.

What is Lp(a), which is being described as a hidden danger?

According to doctors, Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a specific type of cholesterol particle that resembles LDL (bad cholesterol) but has an additional protein attached. This is why it can accelerate the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels. The most important thing is that Lp(a) is not measured in a typical lipid profile test. Therefore, a person's cholesterol report may be normal, but their heart may still be at risk.

Heart attack cases are increasing.

Doctors in India are seeing a worrying trend. Many people with normal cholesterol levels are experiencing heart attacks in their 30s and 40s. The National Institutes of Health believes that elevated Lp(a) levels due to genetic factors may be a contributing factor. This factor is largely influenced by genetics, so diet or exercise has a limited impact on it.

Cases are increasing rapidly in India.

According to experts, the incidence of premature heart disease is rapidly increasing in India. Several reports indicate that heart disease accounts for a significant portion of all deaths in the country. Worryingly, many patients are experiencing heart attacks 10 to 15 years earlier than in Western countries. Genetic predisposition, diabetes, high blood pressure, an inactive lifestyle, and hidden lipid markers such as Lp(a) may increase this risk.

Doctors say that people with a family history of heart attack, stroke, or heart disease at a young age should have an Lp(a) test at least once. Additionally, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a poor lifestyle should also take heart testing seriously. Although directly lowering Lp(a) isn't easy, knowing the level can help better control other risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.