Advanced Therapy for High Cardiovascular Risk
What Is Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]?
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a unique cholesterol-carrying particle that can greatly increase the risk of:
- Atherosclerotic heart disease
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Calcific aortic valve stenosis
Clinical Benefits
Clinical studies have shown that regular lipoprotein apheresis can:
- Significantly lower Lp(a), ApoB, and LDL cholesterol
- Reduce inflammation and pro-thrombotic (clot-promoting) factors
- Improve microvascular health and overall heart function
- Lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease progression
- Stabilize or even help regress arterial plaque in some patients
- Reduce cardiac events by up to 72%
Who Should Consider Lipoprotein Apheresis?
Lipoprotein apheresis is generally recommended for patients at very high cardiovascular risk, including those with:
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia and either PAD or CAD, with:
• LDL-C > 100 mg/dL, or
• Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL and LDL-C > 100 mg/dL - Established cardiovascular disease (e.g., prior heart attack, stroke, or PAD)
- LDL cholesterol or Lp(a) levels that remain above target despite optimal therapy
- Exceptionally high risk for cardiovascular events due to uncontrolled cholesterol
How Does Lipoprotein Apheresis Work?
Lipoprotein apheresis uses a selective plasma filtration system to remove excess Lp(a), ApoB, and LDL cholesterol directly from the bloodstream. Key features include:
- 65–85% reduction in harmful cholesterol particles after each treatment
- Sessions performed every 1–2 weeks, depending on individual cholesterol levels
- Treatment duration of 2–4 hours, based on plasma volume
- A procedure that is well-tolerated by most patients, who may read, rest, or listen to music during treatment