Do You Know Your Lp(a) Level?

When it comes to heart health, most efforts have focused on lowering high levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol).  However, it turns out that a “cousin” of LDL, known as Lp(a) may be just as dangerous if levels are too high.  A normal level of Lp(a) is less than 75 nmol/L.

In our new paper, we report on a woman who underwent heart bypass surgery at the age of 27!   The main reason for this young woman’s premature heart disease was her very high levels of Lp(a) measured between 450-550 nmol/L!

If you are at risk of heart disease, make sure to have your Lp(a) levels checked.  The good news is that there are new medications that can lower high levels.  They include the PCSK9 inhibitors that reduce Lp(a) levels by ~30%.   A new class of medications currently in testing can lower Lp(a) levels ~60-80%.  If your levels are very high, you may qualify for an upcoming clinical trial testing whether this medication can lower the risk of a future heart attack or stroke.

Michael Miller, MD is author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.  

Father’s Day Treat: Guinness Cupcakes!

To celebrate Father’s Day, my wife Lisa made a batch of amazingly delicious Guinness cupcakes…If you love Guinness beer and enjoy cupcakes, check out the recipe below.

In a large bowl combine and whisk the following; 2-1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cacao powder, 1-1/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder,  1/2 teaspoon salt.

In another bowl combine and whisk the following; 1 cup of Guinness Stout, 1/2 cup canola oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons dark chocolate chips.

Combine ingredients and slowly pour into a lightly greased cupcake pan then sprinkle cocoa powder and place in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Toppings are optional.

Happy Father’s Day!

Michael Miller, MD is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland  and author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease“.

 

 

 

Icosapent Ethyl = ↓↓ Inflammation

In an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Cardiology we analyzed the effects of Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa®) 4 capsules daily for 12 weeks in men and women with elevated levels of triglycerides (200-499 mg/dL) and bodily inflammation (hs-CRP > 2 mg/L).  Healthy levels of triglycerides and hs-CRP are less than 100 mg/dL (fasting) and less than 1 mg/L respectively, whereas high levels of each are independently associated with an increased risk of heart-related complications (such as heart attack or stroke).

Our new study found that Icosapent Ethyl significantly reduced triglycerides (20%) and hs-CRP (18%) in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, adding to the growing body of evidence in support of this highly effective, safe and unique therapy.

Overall, the unprecedented results from the recently completed REDUCE-IT study that demonstrated robust reductions in major cardiovascular events (25%) and total ischemic events (30%) provide robust support for Icosapent Ethyl in select men and women at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Michael Miller, MD is author of the bestselling book “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease“ & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.  

Cerebrum Podcast: Understanding the Heart-Brain Connection

Cerebrum editor Bill Glovin’s monthly interviews with top scientists who discuss their research-based articles, their personal stories, and how their work has the potential to make a difference in people’s lives. Check out our podcast-

Michael Miller, MD is author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” & Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.