Welcome to The Heart of Innovation. Today, we're talking about a silent killer - a genetic marker called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), that can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Lp(a) affects 1 in 5 people worldwide, yet most don't even know they have it until it's too late. In fact, Lp(a) can increase heart attack risk by 2-5 times. And many don't know they have it until it's too late, unfortunately.

But there may be hope on the horizon. New drug trials are underway that could help address this overlooked condition.

Joining us today to discuss what we know, and don't know, about Lp(a) is Dr. Harpreet Bhatia, Associate Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health System. We also have a couple of patients here to share their personal journeys with Lp(a).