{"id":5842,"date":"2025-09-25T20:24:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T14:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=5842"},"modified":"2025-09-25T20:24:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T14:54:59","slug":"is-a-genetic-time-bomb-hiding-in-your-blood-the-lpa-heart-danger-doctors-want-you-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=5842","title":{"rendered":"Is a Genetic Time Bomb Hiding in Your Blood? The Lp(a) Heart Danger Doctors Want You to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Hidden Genetic Threat: Experts Sound Alarm on Widespread, Undiagnosed Heart Risk Factor in India<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Elevated Lipoprotein(a), a common inherited condition affecting one in four Indians, significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk but remains largely untested, prompting a global call for action.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

INDIA, 24 September 2025<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world\u2019s leading cause of death claiming nearly 18 million lives annually, takes a disproportionate toll in India, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global fatalities\u2014a figure surpassing deaths from all cancers combined. Yet, a critical, genetically inherited risk factor lurking within a quarter of the population continues to be widely overlooked: elevated Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).<\/p>\n

Ahead of World Heart Day (September 29), global health experts are urging a paradigm shift in cardiovascular strategies to bridge critical awareness and testing gaps for this hidden threat.<\/p>\n

A Pervasive but Invisible Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lp(a) is a type of cholesterol particle in the blood, levels of which are primarily determined by genetics. High levels can lead to plaque buildup and blood clots, independently increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. An estimated 25% of the Indian population has elevated Lp(a), but testing is rare, leaving millions unaware of their heightened risk.<\/p>\n

This awareness gap is starkly highlighted by a recent survey commissioned by Novartis across the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. It revealed that 66% of individuals skip routine heart checks, nearly half (45%) are unaware of genetics as a heart disease risk factor, and only 22% had heard of an Lp(a) test. A mere 7% had actually taken one.<\/p>\n

South Asians at Particularly High Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

The need for action is particularly acute in South Asia. Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar, Director of Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, India, emphasized the scale of the problem: \u201cCardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in India, and awareness of risk factors such as elevated Lp(a) is critical. South Asians are particularly vulnerable \u2014 in fact, 34% of Indian acute coronary syndrome patients have high Lp(a). When combined with common risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, the likelihood of heart attack or stroke increases dramatically. Lp(a) testing is essential to identify high-risk individuals early and help prevent avoidable cardiac events.\u201d<\/p>\n

The call for greater public awareness is echoed by patient advocates. Ram Khandelwal, Founder of Heart Health India Foundation, who survived a heart attack at age 33, stated, \u201cToo many people across India are unaware that a simple blood test can reveal their genetic risk from elevated Lp(a). We need to build widespread awareness and educate communities nationwide, so early testing becomes a natural part of heart health and not just something people consider after a significant cardiac event.\u201d<\/p>\n

Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] |\u00a0indianowme@gmail.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Unified Call for Systemic Change<\/strong><\/p>\n

The issue was the focus of the recent educational media webinar, \u201cIntroducing the Little (a) with Big Consequences,\u201d convened by Global Heart Hub and Novartis. The session brought together a global coalition of experts who issued a unified call to action:<\/p>\n