Mastering Lipoproteins: A Functional Practitioner’s Guide to Cardiovascular Health

This week on ReInvent Healthcare, I talk about a topic that not very many practitioners talk about these days - Lipoprotein A. I’ll go in depth on how it affects the cardiovascular system, the genetic factors involved, testing that we can do, as well as some approaches for lifestyle and diet choices that can help bring down Lipoproteins.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Understanding the Significance of Lp(a)
The Lp(a) is a lipoprotein particle in the bloodstream that is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease that resembles LDL cholesterol but is denser and even more dangerous. It can easily pass into the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to plaque formation, inflammation, increased clotting, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis. We need to be knowledgeable about its characteristics, its role in plaque formation, inflammation, and clotting within blood vessels, and how it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis. 

The Role of Genetic Factors
Elevated Lp(a)  levels are estimated to be 90% hereditary, making it crucial to assess genetic risk factors. Certain genetic variants linked to Lp(a)

 are associated with a shorter lifespan and a higher risk of aortic stenosis. We should consider genetic testing, especially in individuals with a family history of heart disease, to assess the presence of Lp(a)-related genetic variants.

Dietary and Supplemental Approaches
While there is no consensus on the best diet for heart disease, a whole foods diet rich in antioxidants, combined with specific supplements like niacin, ginkgo biloba, berberine, vitamin C, and L-carnitine, can potentially lower Lp(a)

 levels and improve overall cardiovascular health. Individualized approaches are essential, and regular testing is recommended to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed. 

 

ReInvent Healthcare Links

If you want to dive even further, grab the chance to purchase my NES Nutrigenomics in Clinical Practice here.

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Ritamarie Loscalzo

Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo is a best-selling author and speaker known for her extensive knowledge, infectious energy, and inspirational message that encourages individuals to become their own best health advocate. She is an internationally recognized nutrition and health authority who specializes in using the wisdom of nature to restore hormone balance with a special emphasis on thyroid, adrenal and insulin imbalances. She founded the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology to empower health and nutrition practitioners to get to the root cause of health concerns by using functional assessments and natural therapeutics to balance the endocrine system, the body's master controller.

Dr. Ritamarie is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic with Certification in Acupuncture and is a Diplomat of the American Clinical Nutrition Board. She is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with a Master’s in Human Nutrition, has completed a 2-year, 500-hour Herbal Medicine Program at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and has a master's degree in Computer Science, which contributes to her skills as an ace problem solver.