Lp(a) Animation - English

Cardiovascular disease and events such as heart attacks and strokes result from the narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis) and/or formation of blood clots (thrombosis), restricting or preventing blood flow to critical organs. Lipoproteins are particles that consist of lipids (fats like cholesterol and triglycerides) and proteins. Atherosclerosis results from the deposition of cholesterol into the arterial wall by the atherogenic lipoproteins, which include VLDL, LDL, and Lp(a). The lipoprotein known as Lp(a) has a unique structure that includes an LDL particle attached to a protein known as apo (a) that prevents the breakup of blood clots. Reflecting this structure, elevated levels of Lp(a) have been recognized as an independent causal predictor of cardiovascular risk, particularly for myocardial infarction (heart attacks). Elevated Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and unusually common in people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Find out how elevated Lp(a) levels increase cardiovascular risk in the general population and in people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This video was created by Genzyme Corp. for healthcare professionals. To learn more about Lp(a) and FH, visit www.FHJourneys.com, a website with information for people with FH, families, and healthcare professionals.