Lipoprotein(a)
What is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) is also known as Lp(a). It’s a protein that carries cholesterol (a type of fat) and proteins in your blood. People with high Lp(a) have a higher risk for heart disease.
Who can have high levels of Lp(a) in their blood?
Around 1 in 5 people have high levels of Lp(a). The level of Lp(a) in your blood is decided by your genes. You may have a high level of Lp(a) even if you have a healthy lifestyle or are taking other medicine for your cholesterol. You should get screened for Lp(a) if you or someone in your family:
- has been diagnosed with high Lp(a), or
- had a heart attack or stroke at a young age.
How do we test for Lp(a)?
A simple blood test can measure your Lp(a) level. However, Lp(a) is not usually tested during routine blood tests.
No insurance is required to participate.