Fred Woodworth is a cheerful guy, quick to smile and quick to help anyone in need of his expertise. Known as his country’s go-to general contractor and handyman, Sisters builds, repairs and upgrades homes in Black, His Butte, His Ranch and throughout the area. He was often found doing what he does best: under the sink, on the roof, or under the house. Then he received a diagnosis that changed everything.

Woodworth ultimately required open-heart surgery, which included a double bypass and aortic valve replacement. he was stunned. He had no symptoms of heart disease until his doctor told him he had a heart murmur. At least the news wasn’t a surprise.

“I had no symptoms of heart disease, no shortness of breath, no swelling or weakness in my legs. The only reason they found out I had heart disease was because of a heart murmur. I had rheumatic fever. “So I’ve known about heart murmurs since I was 18,” Woodworth said. “I went to the doctor discreetly because I couldn’t afford insurance. When I went to the doctor in 2019, she mentioned my heart murmur and ordered an echocardiogram that recorded a pressure gradient of 19. Once I was eligible for Medicare, I went to the doctor. I saw my internist in March 2023 and the murmur was confirmed, so I did it again using the baseline from the previous test. I had an echocardiogram and the pressure gradient increased from 19 to 38.”

An increase in pressure gradient from 19 to 38 over 4 years was a red flag that his aortic valve stenosis or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was significantly increasing. The cardiologist told Woodworth that the level of stenosis at age 66 is similar to what would be expected to be seen in someone 10 years older. The cardiologist mentioned a potential risk factor for increased levels of stenosis as an inherited gene called lipoprotein(a) or LP(a), which can promote plaque buildup. Woodworth learned that 20 percent of the population could carry the gene without any direct symptoms.

After undergoing a simple and affordable genetic test, Woodworth and his doctors learned why his stenosis levels had increased. His LP(a) gene marker, which he carries, promoted plaque buildup on the aortic valve. ASCVD is usually thought to be caused by high levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL, and is currently treated with the use of statins, exercise, and dietary changes. However, LP(a) is not affected by diet or exercise and is currently considered untreatable in the United States, making it less noticeable. Although it cannot currently be treated with medication, Woodworth is optimistic about the future, as several clinical trials are currently underway.

LP(a) is in the same family and cousin of LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol.” LP(a) is sometimes referred to as LDL’s “evil twin” because its presence goes undetected, making it more sticky and increasing the risk of artery blockages and blood clots. Common LDL-lowering drugs, such as statins, have no effect on lowering LP(a) levels. In fact, there are studies showing that statin use can increase his LP(a) levels by as much as 20%. LP(a) Risk Coverage: Optimal <75、中程度 75 ～ 125、高 >125. Woodworth’s initial test result was 181. He started taking statins in March 2023, and after being retested in September, his levels rose to 213. A follow-up inspection has already been scheduled.

Woodworth knows there are people in the community who carry the gene but don’t know it. With cardiovascular disease still the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world, Woodworth wants people to know there’s more to the big picture of cholesterol than most people know. thinking.

“I talked to some customers at Black Butte Ranch and they told me the story of a friend whose brother passed away from a sudden heart attack at the age of 57. His sister went to the local doctor and was diagnosed with LP(a). I asked to be tested for LP(a) and it turned out to be LP(a). It’s genetic,” Woodworth said. “The first event could be the last event. That’s why it’s called the ‘Widowmaker’ or the ‘Silent Killer.’ When I was diagnosed, the doctors told me before the surgery to keep my feet firmly on the ground and not climb on high ladders because if anything happened I could fall and die. ”

After learning about the genetics and hereditary nature of LP(a), Woodworth suggested that her family, including her cousins ​​and their children, get tested. His brother and sister both tested positive, but his son and daughter tested negative. Woodworth’s father had his aortic valve replaced in the 1990s. During this time, testing for LP(a) was not pursued. Woodworth suspects he inherited the gene from his father.

“Many doctors in our area have no idea about LP(a) or the clinical trials that are taking place. People said, “We know it exists. There are about 10,000 people in Sisters Country, and 20 percent of them may carry the gene without knowing it.” So that means we have 2,000 people in our area,” Woodworth said. “There are 64 million people in the United States who may have that gene. If you have problems with cholesterol and are taking statins, this is an inexpensive test. In Europe, LP(a ) There are already oral medications that help lower levels by 64 percent.I’m just lucky I didn’t experience the first incident. Because of the heart murmur and the excellent cardiologist, the measures taken were preventative rather than reactive. ”

Despite being diagnosed with ASCVD, Woodworth feels great. He knows that hope for a cure is on the horizon, and he intends to benefit from it. He advises people to contact their doctor to make sure they are not among the 20% who get the disease.