Heart Attack Support Group

Heart attack is a serious, sudden heart condition usually characterized by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias, sometimes causing loss of consciousness. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted, causing death and scarring of the local heart tissue.

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Heart Attack Support Group

Lipoprotein(a) & Niaspan

DailyHopeSue
DailyHopeSue
I just learned that I have a highly elevated level of Lipoprotein(a)- mine is 222, when less than 75 is normal. I'm 47 y.o., & had a significant MI on Nov 20, 2009 with 100% blockage of my LAD, 2 episodes of cardiac arrest, cath, & 1 stent placed. I've always had low bp & fairly optimal cholesterol. My known risks were Dad's MI at age 32, high stress, and too much saturated fat consumption. I'm starting to read more about Lp(a), and it sounds like that helps explain the link between my Dad's heart attack & mine, since high Lp(a) is genetically transmitted. I'm about to switch to a highly recommended cardio. I also just got myself a good new PCP- he's the one who found the Lp(a). I'd already read about Lp(a), so I had some initial understanding of the issue. I'd heard that the only thing known to reduce Lp(a) is niacin, but that it's unlikely to be effective when not at prescription strength as niaspan. My doc called in a prescription for niaspan. I'm aware of its side effects of flushing & itching (sounds great!), but my doc said I can reduce that (well he actually said block that) by taking an aspirin (which I'm taking daily anyway by just moving it from AM to PM) 30 to 60 minutes before taking the Niaspan. I'm going to read a bit more before I start the Niaspan. I see the research on the link between Lp(a) & heart disease, & that niaspan can reduce Lp(a). I just don't know yet if there's research showing that reducing Lp(a) leads to reduced risk of MI. I'm both encouraged and worried about this new information & recommendation. I'd love to hear from other folks who have info and/or experience with Lp(a) & Niaspan. Thanks for any help you can provide. Sue
DailyHopeSue
DailyHopeSue
Hey, Diana,

Yeah, definitely talk with your doctor about CoQ10 (a supplement that can be found at drug stores or large grocery stores) to prevent or alleviate possible muscle soreness from statin (cholesterol lowering) medications.

No, not planning to start the niaspan soon. Will discuss when I see the doc this spring.

So much to learn here in heart disease land, isn't there?
deleted_user
deleted_user
sue - my dear hubby has been on the Niaspan since very near after his MI (3/2010) 500mg. Also on crestor since same time frame. He occasionally gets the "flushes". Maybe once a week, if that. He hates it and pisses and moans whenever it starts, but it's only for about 30 minutes total. I believe it has helped him tremendously and his cholesterol numbers too. At first, we never knew about CoQ10. He would walk around (for the first 5 months at least) making like "claws" with his hands, and shaking his arms from the elbows down all the time - said it "hurt". So we introduced the CoQ10, and that hurting has gone away, and I don't call him "lobster boy" anymore since he doesn't do the claw thing everyday! But that aside, the side effects of the niaspan are few and far between - you can handle it and I think it's a good idea.
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