Many of us know that having high cholesterol can increase one’s risk for heart disease and stroke, as it can build up plaque in the arteries. While high cholesterol can often be remedied with lifestyle changes, including alterations to diet and exercise, in many cases, a patient’s genetics play a role in their cholesterol levels, and medical intervention is needed.
Such was the case for Amanda Bulfamante, 33, a New Rochelle-based hairstylist who has a family history of cardiac events as well as high cholesterol. “I’ve never been able to get my cholesterol under control, even after changing my diet and losing weight,” she shares. When Amanda experienced heart palpitations, she made an appointment to see Dr. Anthony Mercando, a board-certified cardiologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in White Plains.
“When Amanda came in, we reviewed her personal health history as well as her family history,” he says. “Since members of her family have experienced heart attacks at a young age, it was especially important to fully evaluate her risk.” To get the most accurate picture of Amanda’s heart health, Dr. Mercando ordered a long-term electrocardiogram test and blood test to check her cholesterol levels. In addition, he ordered a test known as a lipoprotein (a), or LP(a) test.
While Amanda’s heart palpitations proved to be benign and did not require treatment, two indications of elevated cardiovascular risk were evident from her blood tests. She had “a very high cholesterol level, and elevated levels of LP(a),” shares Dr. Mercando.
While there is currently no approved treatment for lowering LP(a), “an elevated value of LP(a) in a patient tells me that other risk factors and other lipids need to be aggressively treated,” he explains. High levels of LP(a) typically run in families as well are associated with arterial sclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
As part of Amanda’s treatment plan, she now takes a statin medication to bring her cholesterol down in addition to continuing to eat a balanced diet and exercising regularly. “For many patients with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, even if they live the healthiest lifestyle possible, medication is needed to get their cholesterol to a healthy range and lower their risk for heart disease,” says Dr. Mercando.
Amanda was hesitant to start a medication regimen, especially given her young age. “I was concerned about potential side effects, but Dr. Mercando helped to put me at ease,” she shares. “I know that I am being as proactive as I can to stay healthy.”
Complicating matters even further was a near-simultaneous diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. “The DMT (disease-modifying therapies) I’m taking for the MS are very strong medications, and we continue to monitor how I react to that and the statin medications that Dr. Mercando put me on.”
Even with regular trips to a cardiologist and a neurologist, Amanda says she feels much better by getting checked early. “My advice would be to just go and get checked,” she declares. “It’s really important. Some people may not take their heart health seriously because they think, ‘Oh, nothing’s going to happen to me because I’m young and I don’t smoke.’”
“Taking care of yourself is so important,” she concludes. “You only have one heart.”
“I encourage everyone to discuss their family history of heart disease with their loved ones,” adds Dr. Mercando. “Genetics play an important role heart health, and taking a proactive approach as Amanda has can make a meaningful difference in living a longer and healthier life.”
To learn more about White Plains Hospital’s Cardiac Services Program or to find a provider, call 914-WP-HEART (914-974-3278) or visit wphospital.org/cardiac.
