Lipoprotein(a) patient information

Lp(a) is a genetic cholesterol particle that’s not included in many routine cholesterol tests. Knowing your level can help guide a more personalized prevention plan.

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✓You can have “normal” LDL and still have high Lp(a).
✓High Lp(a) may raise risk for heart disease and aortic valve disease.
✓Because it runs in families, relatives may benefit from testing too.

Mostly genetic Lifestyle may not lower Lp(a) much directly, but it can improve overall risk.

Often missed Lp(a) is typically not part of standard cholesterol screening.

Actionable Your result can help you and your clinician plan prevention.

Educational information only (not medical advice).

Survey snapshot

Featured statistic

74% do not know their personal Lp(a) level

54%

Do not know if their personal LDL-C is below 100 mg/dL

16%

Have Lp(a) levels above 125 nmol/L

46%

Have LDL-C levels above 100 mg/dL

What is Lp(a), in plain language?

Lp(a) is a cholesterol particle that can stick to artery walls. Most of the time, it’s inherited — meaning you can live well and still have a higher level.

What it is

Think of Lp(a) as a “type of LDL” with an extra protein attached. That extra piece can make it more likely to contribute to plaque buildup.

Why it matters

High Lp(a) can increase risk for heart attack and stroke over time — even if you feel fine today. Knowing your level helps you and your clinician plan prevention.

Should I ask for an Lp(a) test?

Many people only need Lp(a) checked once. It’s especially helpful if heart disease runs in your family.

Good reasons to ask

Early heart disease in the family (heart attack or stroke at a younger age)
A parent, sibling, or child has high Lp(a)
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Heart disease despite “normal” routine cholesterol results

How testing works

Ask for Lp(a) — it’s a simple blood test, but it’s not always included in routine cholesterol testing.
Review your result — your clinician interprets it with your overall risk.
If elevated — your clinician may recommend testing close family members as well.

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What do results mean?

Lp(a) may be reported in mg/dL or nmol/L. Your clinician interprets it based on your overall risk and your lab’s reference range.

Common thresholds

Many patient resources use > 50 mg/dL or > 125 nmol/L as a cutoff. Your clinician may use a different threshold depending on your situation.

The big picture

High Lp(a) is a risk marker — it doesn’t guarantee a heart problem. It means you may benefit from a more personalized prevention plan (often focused on LDL control, blood pressure, and lifestyle).

Next steps if Lp(a) is high

Even if Lp(a) itself doesn’t change much, your overall risk can improve a lot with the right plan.

High-impact basics

Heart-healthy eating pattern
Regular physical activity
Healthy weight maintenance
Avoid tobacco
Sleep, stress, and blood pressure control

What your clinician may discuss

Your clinician may recommend more intensive management of other risk factors (especially LDL cholesterol). Therapies that specifically target Lp(a) are being studied.

Coverage varies. If checking insurance benefits, Lp(a) testing is often referenced with CPT 83695.

FAQs

Tap a question to expand.

Can I have “normal cholesterol” but high Lp(a)?

Yes. Lp(a) is different from standard cholesterol numbers and often requires a separate test.

If Lp(a) is genetic, can lifestyle help?

Lifestyle may not lower Lp(a) much directly, but it can significantly improve overall heart risk (blood pressure, weight, inflammation, and other cholesterol values).

How often should I check Lp(a)?

Many people only need it checked once because it’s usually stable. Your clinician may recommend repeats in specific situations.

What should I ask my clinician?

Ask whether Lp(a) testing is appropriate, what your result means for your risk, what LDL targets fit you, and whether family members should be tested.