An indicator that is taken once in a lifetime
The level of Lp(a) is determined genetically and practically does not change throughout life: it does not depend on nutrition, physical activity and is almost not reduced by statins. Therefore, it is enough to measure it once. Elevated levels occur in approximately one in five people and significantly increase the risk of early heart attack, ischemic stroke and calcific aortic valve stenosis - regardless of other lipid profiles. It is Lp(a) that often explains “unexplained” cases of heart attack at a young age with normal cholesterol and a family history. Detection of elevated levels does not provide a direct target for treatment, but requires the strictest possible control of all other risk factors.
Why preparation is so important
The laboratory result is a number, but the correct number can only be obtained if the rules are followed. Eating changes the levels of glucose, lipids and a number of enzymes significantly; physical activity the day before increases CK and AST; smoking affects hormones; time of day is critical for cortisol and testosterone.
Therefore, a “bad analysis” often turns out to be a consequence of impaired preparation, and not an illness, and leads to unnecessary examinations and prescriptions.
General rules for donating blood
- on an empty stomach 8–12 hours, you can drink water
- Eliminate alcohol and intense exercise per day
- no smoking in an hour
- donate blood before physiotherapy, x-rays and massage
- Take medications in advance by agreeing with your doctor
- for hormones in women, take into account the day of the cycle
How to read the result
Reference values depend on the method and equipment of the laboratory, so it is correct to compare results only within the same laboratory. A deviation of a few percent from the normal limit in itself rarely matters - the overall picture and dynamics are important. It is up to the physician to interpret the analysis: an isolated indicator without a clinical context is often misleading.