High Lp(a) levels linked to heart disease - Saturated fat lowers Lp(a) levels

This post includes a synopsis on a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology Volume 67, Issue 13, 15 May 1991, Pages 1039-1045 and a recipe for fresh beef tongue.

Study title and authors:
Prevalence of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] excess in coronary artery disease
Jacques Genest, Jr. MDb, c, a, 1, Jennifer L. Jenner BScb, c, a, Judith R. McNamara MTb, c, a, Jose M. Ordovas PhDb, c, a, Steven R. Silberman PhDb, c, a, Peter W. F. Wilson MDb, c, a and Ernst J. Schaefer MD, a, b, c,
a From the Lipid Metabolism Laboratory, U.S.D.A. Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
b From the Terumo Medical Corporation, Elkton, Maryland, U.S.A.
c From the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T10-4C76DRD-1M5&_user=10&_coverDate=05%2F15%2F1991&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_origin=browse&_zone=rslt_list_item&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%234876%231991%23999329986%23498422%23FLP%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=4876&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=28&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=30a3a5e0b2cd825c01c50e7df4e7aa15&searchtype=a

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is similar to (bad) low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Genest notes that elevated levels of Lp(a) have been associated with heart disease.
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The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence Lp(a) excess in patients with heart disease.

Levels of Lp(a) were determined in 180 patients (150 men and 30 women) with heart disease before age 60 years, and in 459 control subjects free of cardiovascular disease.

The study revealed that patients with heart disease had higher Lp(a) levels than those who were free from heart disease.

A diet high in saturated fat lowers Lp(a) levels. See here and here.

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Recipe of the day

Fresh Beef Tongue

8 Servings

Ingredients:                                                                                                    Food Mall: Beef Tongue

1 Fresh beef tongue

2 Onions
1 lg Carrot
4 Sprigs parsley
1 Stalk celery
1/2 Bay leaf
8 Peppercorns
2 t Salt

Instructions:
Scrub tongue and place in large kettle with onions, carrot, parsley, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns and salt.

Cover with boiling water, bring to boil.

Skim and simmer, covered, for 3 to 4 hours or until tender.

Remove the skin and root ends.