UNDERSTANDING LIPOPROTEIN(a)
What is Lipoprotein(a) and Why it Matters
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a particle that carries cholesterol in the blood that is determined primarily by genetics, which are inherited through your parents and unrelated to diet and lifestyle choices. High Lp(a) levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Even if you know your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which can be normal, your Lp(a) levels may still be high.
What is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein is found in your blood and is made of protein and fats (lipids). The two main groups of lipoproteins are called HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or "good" cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol.
Lipoprotein(a) is a type of LDL (“bad cholesterol”). It’s made of:
- An LDL particle, and
- An extra protein called apolipoprotein(a) attached to it.
This added protein makes Lp(a) behave differently and more dangerously than regular LDL.
Why Lipoprotein(a) Matters
High Lp(a) increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and other blood vessel diseases because it:
- Promotes plaque buildup – Enters artery walls easily and accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Triggers inflammation – The apo(a) protein stimulates inflammatory responses in blood vessels.
- Increases clot risk – Lp(a) interferes with the body’s ability to break down clots, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Acts independently of LDL-C – You can have “normal” LDL cholesterol and still be high risk if your Lp(a) is elevated.
Your genetics, or family history, largely determines your Lp(a) levels. This means you could live a healthy lifestyle and still have high Lp(a).
Who Needs a Lipoprotein(a) Test?
Your genetics, or family history, largely determines your Lp(a) levels. This means you could live a healthy lifestyle and still have high Lp(a).
Testing is especially important if you:- Known family history of high Lp(a)
- Family or personal history of heart disease
or premature cardiovascular disease (men < 45;
women < 55) - Have resistant or unexplained high cholesterol
What is a Lp(a) Test?
A lipoprotein(a) test is a blood test that provide a more accurate understanding of your risk than a routine cholesterol test that only measures your total LDL cholesterol level. Lp(a) is not included in routine cholesterol blood work. It requires a separate, specialized blood test that must be specifically ordered by your provider.
Don’t Let Hidden Risk Go Undetected
Lp(a) is a genetic risk factor that requires a separate blood test. Knowing your level can change how your heart health is managed. Reach out to CardioNow to learn more or book a screening and take control of your heart health!
