As the Chief Medical Officer at Siagram Ayurveda Hospital and Research Institute, I often meet patients who are perplexed. They maintain a healthy lifestyle, have normal cholesterol reports, and yet, face the shocking diagnosis of a heart block. This leads to a vital question: is checking only cholesterol enough to safeguard our heart health? The answer, which we emphasize at our practice, is a resounding no. At Siagram Ayurveda, recognised as a

leading best Ayurvedic hospital in Coimbatore, we believe in a holistic approach to health, looking beyond standard tests to uncover hidden risk factors.

Recently, many of you have asked me about a specific, often overlooked substance called Lipoprotein(a). Your curiosity is well-placed, as this can be the missing piece in many puzzling heart health cases.

What is Lipoprotein(a)? The Inherited Risk Factor

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a special type of cholesterol particle in your blood. While it may sound similar to the well-known "bad" LDL cholesterol, it is structurally different and

considerably more dangerous. Even if your standard lipid profile shows perfectly normal levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, a high Lp(a) level can significantly increase your risk of

atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in your arteries that leads to blocks and heart attacks.

The most critical aspect of Lp(a) is that it is primarily genetic. Your lifestyle or diet has very little influence on its levels. You inherit the tendency to have high Lp(a)making it a silent

inherited risk factor that can strike even the most health-conscious individuals.

Why is High Lipoprotein(a) a Serious Concern?

When Lp(a) is elevated, it accelerates the formation of plaque within the blood vessels. This dramatically increases the risk of:

• Heart Attack: Due to blocks in the coronary
• Stroke: Due to blocks in the arteries supplying the
• Other Cardiovascular Issues: Including conditions like aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart's aortic

Essentially, high Lp(a) acts like a hidden bomb within your circulatory system. While you cannot defuse this bomb through lifestyle changes alone, you can certainly prevent it from exploding by managing all other risk factors.

Who Should Get Tested for Lipoprotein(a)?

This test is not necessary for everyone. It is a specific blood test, often not included in routine checkups. You should consider getting your Lp(a) levels checked if you have:

1. A personal or strong family history of premature heart disease (especially in parents or siblings before the age of 45).

2. Unexplained heart disease despite healthy cholesterol

3. A high number of other risk factors and want a complete picture of your heart

A level below 50 mg/dL is generally considered desirable. The higher the value, the greater the risk.

The Ayurvedic Perspective: Managing What You Can Control

The most challenging part about high Lipoprotein(a) is that, as of now, there are no specific allopathic medicines to lower it. This is where the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda becomes

profoundly relevant. While we may not be able to change our genetics, Ayurveda’s DHATVAGNI ( metabolic fire ) concept plays a vital role here. A faulty Dhatvagni will not be capable to do proper metabolic functions. The improper medho datvagni cause accumulation of improperly processed ama and hamper the  formation of dhatu and toxins which causes cellular occlusion

Our approach at Siagram Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the heart (Hridya), cleansing the channels of the body (Srotoshodhana), and eliminating all other aggravating factors.

If you discover you have high Lp(a), here is what you must do immediately:

1. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet (Ahar): Completely avoid trans fats, processed meats, and red Focus on a Sattvic diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

2. Commit to Regular Exercise (Vyayam): Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking, yoga, or swimming daily to maintain circulation and

3. Aggressively Manage Other Risks: Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol meticulously. If your doctor has prescribed statins, continue taking

4. Eliminate Smoking and Alcohol: These are major toxins that severely damage the heart and blood

5. Manage Stress: Through practices like meditation, Pranayama (breathing exercises), and Abhyanga (oil massage), which are cornerstones of Ayurvedic

By adopting these lifestyle changes, you are removing the "fuel" that can ignite the genetic "spark" of high Lp(a), thereby protecting your heart.

Knowledge is the First Step to Prevention

Understanding hidden risk factors like Lipoprotein(a) empowers us to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach to heart health. Do not panic, but be informed. If you have a concerning family history or simply wish to leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of

wellness, discuss Lp(a) testing with your doctor.

Remember, the journey to robust health is built on knowledge and consistent, mindful actions. If you are seeking a holistic pathway to manage your heart health and overall well-being, we are here to guide you. I invite you to visit us at Siagram Ayurveda Hospital and Research Institute, where our integrative approach is dedicated to providing you with the most

compassionate and comprehensive care. Let us help you build a stronger heart, naturally. Discover why we are considered the best Ayurvedic hospital in Coimbatore for cardiac wellness.