Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), pronounced “L-P-little a,” is a sticky particle made up of fats and protein circulating in your blood. When you have high levels of Lp(a), it can attach to artery walls and cause harmful blockages. Over time, these blockages can increase your chance of heart attack or stroke.

A normal level of Lp(a) is under 75 nmol/L (30 mg/dL). If your Lp(a) level exceeds 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL), this means your Lp(a) level is high.

It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans may have inherited a high level of Lp(a). That’s roughly 1 in 5 people in the United States. For these people, high Lp(a) is a risk factor for heart disease, even if they are otherwise healthy.

High Lp(a) is 90% inherited, meaning an important heart risk may be determined by your genes. Even if you are fit and healthy, having high Lp(a) may increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke.

A simple blood test can let you know whether you have high Lp(a). You can request one directly from a screening company or ask your doctor if you can have an Lp(a) test added to your routine bloodwork at your next visit.

The National Lipid Association recommends all adults consider having their Lp(a) level checked once, so you can have the information you and your doctor need to stay heart healthy.

You should especially consider testing if:

• You have a personal history of heart attack or stroke: before age 55 in men, or before age 65 in women

• Your parents or siblings have high Lp(a)

• You have a family history of early heart problems, like a parent or sibling who had a heart attack or stroke at a younger age

Learn more about Getting Screened.

You can learn more about how to order a test kit from LetsGetChecked ↗. The cost of the test varies, but you can generally have your Lp(a) level checked and find out your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the same blood test for less than $90. You can also ask your doctor to get screened. Ask to have an Lp(a) screening added to your next blood test.

Scientific understanding of the role of Lp(a) is expanding, and it isn't part of a standard cholesterol test. Screening for high Lp(a) with a simple blood test is an easy way to reveal a hidden risk to your heart.

High Lp(a) may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, even if your bad cholesterol is under control and you have a healthy lifestyle. No matter how healthy you may feel, ask for an Lp(a) test to reveal if you are living with an increased risk of heart disease.

A high reading for you could indicate that other members of your family might also be at risk. You can talk to them about getting screened through a testing partner or through their doctor.

Yes! Especially if your Lp(a) is high, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your heart healthy. So, continue eating a heart-healthy diet, exercise, avoid smoking, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy body weight. While these measures are unlikely to push down your Lp(a) levels, they can help address other threats to a healthy heart. Before making any changes, talk with your doctor about what lifestyle changes are right for you. 

Having a healthy diet has little to no impact on your Lp(a) level. Still, having healthy habits is important to support your overall heart health.

Yes, always take medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Work with them to create a plan to manage other cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

The Family Heart Foundation aims to increase timely identification and improved care of high Lp(a). They also have care navigators—heart experts who are ready to answer all your questions—at no cost to you. You can get more information at familyheart.org ↗.

Not yet, but researchers are working diligently to identify new treatments that could potentially help those with high Lp(a) levels. So, stay vigilant with your heart health today, and stay tuned for further updates and news on high Lp(a).