Lipoprotein (a) – The Sneaky Heart Danger

Lipoprotein (a) – The Sneaky Heart Danger

In February 2017, Bob Harper, the famous personal trainer from “The Biggest Loser” suffered what should have been a fatal heart attack.  But on the day that he should have died, he had the good fortune to have been using a treadmill that was near a cardiologist who used the gym’s defibrillator to zap Bob back to life.

Because his heart was restarted quickly, it appears that he has avoided any damage to his brain, kidney and other organs. So thanks to a quick acting cardiologist, a tragedy was prevented.

Why Did Bob Have a Heart Attack?

Bob’s heart attack was a shock to him and his fans.  How could someone so physically fit and dedicated to eating healthy have a massive heart attack?  I originally guessed that it was because he had abandoned his 100% plant based diet. In fact, he was eating a high protein, high fat diet at the time of his attack. But I was uncomfortable with my guess because he had only been on the high protein, high fat diet for a short time. Would such a diet quickly undo many years of healthier eating? It turns out that there is more to Bob’s story.

Lipoprotein (a)

I recently watched a Rich Roll podcast where he interviewed plant-based cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn.  During the interview, Dr. Kahn mentioned that Bob Harper’s heart attack was a result of a genetic condition that caused Bob to have high levels of Lipoprotein (a).  High levels of Lipoprotein (a) increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. It is important to know that Lipoprotein (a) levels are NOT affected by lifestyle changes.  A person with elevated Lipoprotein (a) is usually advised to take extra care in managing other more controllable risk factors for heart disease.  Bob did not know he had high levels because Lipoprotein A is not included as part of a typical cholesterol screening test.

A Lipoprotein (a) test is usually ordered when someone has a family history of heart disease or has been diagnosed with conditions that are linked to high Lipoprotein A levels.  These conditions can include estrogen depletion, hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, hypercholesterolemia or kidney failure.

This genetic condition that results in high Lipoprotein (a) levels is NOT rare! One in five people globally have inherited high Lipoprotein (a) levels –  around 63 million Americans. The only way to be sure of your levels is to be tested.  Dr. Kahn states that a Lipoprotein (a) test can be easily obtained and is inexpensive.

Should You Be Tested?

You probably should be tested if you have a strong family history of heart disease and stroke.

If you’d like to know your Lipoprotein (a) levels, ask your doctor to order a test.  Or you can use a service called Request-A-Test. I’ve decided not to be tested, but I reserve the right to change my mind.

What Does Bob Eat Now?

Because of Bob’s genetic condition, it’s important that he be diligent about his diet. Today his meal plan “leans more on the Mediterranean-style” with a focus on plant-based foods, including more fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains.

The thing that most disturbs me is that so many super-fit athletes are eating high protein, high fat diets. 1 in 5 will have elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels.  Elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels can damage arteries so it’s imperative for people like Bob to eat an artery-friendly diet, like a low fat whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet.  A high protein, high fat diet just adds to arterial damage. It’s probably best if we all ate as if we’ve been diagnosed with high Lipoprotein (a) levels.

Stay healthy and strong!