Ep. 351: The "Evil Cousin" to LDL - Why Everyone Should Know Their Lp(a) Number with Dr. Akil Taher

What if one simple blood test could reveal a genetic risk factor for heart disease that affects 1 in 5 people worldwide? Rip sits down with physician, endurance athlete, and author Dr. Akil Taher to talk about a critical—but often overlooked—marker for cardiovascular risk: Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). Despite decades of research linking elevated Lp(a) to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease, fewer than 2% of Americans have ever been tested. Dr. Taher shares his remarkable personal story—from heart disease and bypass surgery to becoming a marathoner and mountain climber in his 70s—and explains why understanding your Lp(a) level could be lifesaving. They dive into: What Lp(a) actually is and why it's called the “evil cousin of LDL” Why genetics—not lifestyle—largely determine your Lp(a) Why many healthy people still suffer heart attacks The surprising link between Lp(a), inflammation, and blood clotting Who should absolutely get tested Why the nanomoles-per-liter test matters How lifestyle medicine and a whole-food plant-based diet still play a critical protective role Dr. Taher’s message is simple but powerful: Get tested. Know your number. Protect your heart. Because what you don’t know can hurt you—but what you discover could save your life. Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTube Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/ https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating Apple Podcasts Spotify