Understanding Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a): A Naturopathic Approach to Heart Health

By Dr. Atousa Faraz BSc (Hon), ND

February is Heart Health Month and an important time to review key markers that influence cardiovascular risk. One of the most common concerns seen in clinical practice is elevated cholesterol. Increasingly, another marker Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) is also recognized as an important part of a comprehensive cardiovascular health assessment. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI, 2024), elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

From a naturopathic perspective, cardiovascular adverse event prevention focuses on identifying individual risk factors early and addressing the underlying drivers of future problems.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced primarily by the liver and is essential for hormone production, cell membranes, and vitamin D synthesis (Huff et al., 2023). It circulates in the bloodstream as lipoproteins, most commonly:

LDL cholesterol, associated with plaque formation when elevated and damaged

HDL cholesterol, which helps transport cholesterol away from blood vessels and back to the liver (Huff et al., 2023).

While cholesterol levels are important, they do not tell the full cardiovascular story on their own.

What Is Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically determined cholesterol particle that increases cardiovascular risk independently of LDL cholesterol. Elevated Lp(a) is associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis (built up of plaque in arteries), heart attack, and stroke, even in individuals with otherwise normal cholesterol levels (NHLBI, 2024).

Elevated Lp(a) levels are largely due to genetic factors (Reyes-Soffer et al., 2021). For this reason, many professional guidelines now recommend at least one lifetime Lp(a) test, particularly for individuals with:

A personal or family history of early cardiovascular disease

Elevated cholesterol that does not respond as expected to lifestyle changes

A strong family history of heart attack or stroke

Knowing your Lp(a) level allows for a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk and opens the door to earlier preventive strategies. As a naturopathic doctor, I can test this marker and help you understand what your results mean.

A Naturopathic Approach

In naturopathic medicine, treatment plans are individualized and may include dietary and lifestyle counselling, as well as targeted nutraceutical supplementation when appropriate. Nutrition and lifestyle play critical roles in reducing overall cardiovascular event risk.

Some evidence-based dietary and lifestyle strategies include:

Increasing fiber, especially soluble fiber, by including foods like oats, legumes, vegetables, and chia seeds.

Emphasizing a whole-food diet rich in non-starchy vegetables and lean animal proteins, which is associated with improved lipid profiles.

Including omega-3 fatty acids in nutraceutical supplement regimen to help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocado oil in cooking.

Engaging in regular physical activity to support HDL cholesterol and overall metabolic health.

Prioritizing sleep and stress management to reduce inflammation in your body and blood vessels.

These long-term interventions may help protect the cardiovascular system even when genetic risk is present.

Call to Action:

If you have elevated cholesterol, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or have never had your Lp(a) levels tested, gaining a deeper understanding of how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular events may be helpful.

If you are looking for an individualized naturopathic approach, I invite you to book a consultation with me. Together, we can explore testing and naturopathic treatment options to promote your cardiovascular health.

About the Author

Dr. Atousa Faraz, BSc (Hon), ND has nearly two decades of experience supporting patients with a wide range of health concerns. She combines evidence-informed care with a holistic approach to promote long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Faraz is available for both in-person and virtual appointments. To book your appointment today, click on the following link.

Booking Link: https://cgoc.janeapp.com/locations/adelaide-health-clinic/book#/staff_member/75

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It does not replace professional medical advice or create a patient-doctor relationship. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions or if you have questions about a specific condition. Dr. Atousa Faraz ND assumes no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information.

References

Huff, T., Boyd, B., & Jialal, I. (2023). Physiology, cholesterol. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470561/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, January 17). Lipoprotein(a): What to know about elevated levels. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/lipoproteina-what-know-about-elevated-levels
Reyes-Soffer, G., Ginsberg, H. N., Berglund, L., Duell, P. B., Heffron, S. P., Kamstrup, P. R., Lloyd-Jones, D. M., Marcovina, S. M., Yeang, C., & Koschinsky, M. L. (2022). Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 42(1), e48–e60. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATV.0000000000000147