 ##  [Maurice’s Story: How I Discovered I Had a Hidden Heart Disease Risk Factor ](/us-en/stories/high-lipoprotein-a-patient-story "Maurice’s Story: How I Discovered I Had a Hidden Heart Disease Risk Factor ") 

 [Education and Awareness](/us-en/taxonomy/term/61)

 

 

#  Maurice’s Story: How I Discovered I Had a Hidden Heart Disease Risk Factor 

*Maurice W.\*, a Medical Science Liaison at Novartis, was shocked to learn he had elevated Lp(a), an inherited risk factor for heart disease.1,2*



 

 Aug 07, 2025 

While undergoing back surgery at 50 years of age in 2020, Maurice W., who works as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Novartis, had a heart attack and coded for over 30 minutes, which resulted in a 7-day coma.

Prior to his heart attack, Maurice had no warning signs that were apparent to him—and he was taken by surprise. After waking up from his coma and going through recovery, he used his experience and knowledge from his role as an MSL to seek answers, ultimately requesting that his lipoprotein(a)—also known as Lp(a)—level be tested.

Watch the video to learn more about Maurice's story and what the Lp(a) test revealed.

  
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