sha and co

Agency,Employer: sha and co
Sectors: Education,Engineering,Human Resc
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Prone to heart disease? Docs now recommend Lp(a) tests TIMES NEWS NETWORK Chennai: While studies have proved that Indians are genetically predisposed to heart disease, city-based cardiologists are suggesting inclusion of a test that can indicate early signs of heart disease. The variations in lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] — a genetic variant of bad (LDL) cholesterol — doctors say are among the strongest biological markers for premature heart disease. Dr Virgil Brown, director, division of arteriosclerosis and lipid metabolism, University School of Medicine Atlanta in Georgia, who was here recently, said it was important for highrisk individuals to undergo Lp(a) tests. “If a person is a smoker, diabetic, hypertensive, obese or if he/she has a family history of premature death or heart disease then this test is significant. It should add to regular lipid profiling done. Because even if the lipid profile tests show normal results there can be abnormalities in Lp(a)with an abnormal protein called apo (a) attached to it,” he says. Several doctors agree. “We routinely recommend lipid profiles as a part of annual health checks. But we also recommend Lp(a) for high-risk individuals. This test can cost Rs 250 extra but it says a lot that routine lipid profiling might not,” says Dr G Sengottuvelu consultant cardiologist, Sri Ramachandra University. The normal levels of Lp(a) is 10 ml/dl. Studies (Chennai Urban Rural Population Study by Madras Diabetes Foundation) have shown that in a significant number of Indians it is above 30 ml/dl. Doctors agree they cannot do much to reverse the Lp(a) condition. “In people who have a family history of early heart disease, the Lp(a) abnormalities can begin as early as two years. But if we note the abnormalities we can suggest a quality lifestyle like low intake of fat, particularly transfat, high intake of protein, omega 3 fatty acids and exercise,” Dr Sengottuvelu said. “Our studies have shown that abnormalities in Lp(a) are common among Indians. This possibly explains why there is high incidence of heart diseases among Indians,” said Dr V Mohan, chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. THE UNKNOWN RISK FACTOR What are lipids? Lipids are molecular organic compounds that are essential for cell growth. Lipoprotein is the medical term used to define a combination of fat and protein. Cholesterol is comprised of lipids. It is divided into two types, highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL)or bad cholesterol What is Lp(a)? It is a genetic variant of LDL cholesterol with an abnormal protein called apo (a) attached to it, that turns Lp(a) into a more dangerous risk factor than LDL cholesterol Who should get Lp(a) tests done? Doctors may order Lp(a) tests done on patients with existing heart or vascular diseases, especially those who have normal or only mildly elevated lipids What does the result mean? Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and remain relatively constant. They are not affected by lifestyle changes or by most drugs. High Lp(a) levels may increase risk for developing coronary artery diseases and cerebral vascular diseases and can occur in patients with a normal profile

Address: 58 P.s,p st ch 21
City: Chennai
Area: Chennai
Company Type: Other
Business Nature: Commercial
Last Logged on: 24 April 2010

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