Welcome to the Heart Hub
Our hub will help you learn more about the heart — the core point of your cardiovascular system. Here you'll find learning tools and tips designed to educate you about this important organ and why it's so important to keep it healthy.
What is Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is similar to other types of LDL cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol", except that it has an extra protein which makes it sticker. This makes it more likely to create blockages and block blood vessels. Whatever your level of LDL cholesterol, high Lp(a) can increase your cardiovascular disease risk by 2-3 times.
What is Lipoprotein(a), and why does it increase your Risk of Heart Disease?
Lipoproteins are round particles made of protein and fat that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream to cells around your body. Unlike your total cholesterol, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, your Lp(a) level cannot be controlled by diet and lifestyle as it is almost entirely determined by your genetics (up to 90%).
The Genetic Roots of Lipoprotein(a): Why lifestyle changes may not improve your levels
Unlike your total cholesterol, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, your Lp(a) levels cannot be controlled by diet and lifestyle interventions. Learn more about how your levels are almost entirely determined by genetic factors.
How to know if you are at Risk of High Lp(a): Symptoms and Risk Factors
Lp(a) is similar to other types of LDL cholesterol, except that it has an extra protein, called apolipoprotein(a), or apo(a), which makes it stickier. This stickiness makes it more likely to form blood clots or even create blockages by building plaques.
Of people worldwide thought to have high Lp(a) levels¹
Risk of coronary artery disease when compared to someone with normal Lp(a) levels²
30% of people with familial hypercholesterolemia also have high Lp(a) levels³
The number of symptoms for high Lp(a) levels⁴
Have high Lp(a)?
Learn more with LetsGetChecked.
Have High Lp(a)? Learn what that Means
You may have now received the results of your cholesterol test. You may be wondering: “What does this mean for my health, and what should I do about it?”
In this article, you'll find helpful answers to these questions.
High Lp(a): What should your next steps be?
In addition to contacting your healthcare provider, in this article, we will discuss some additional steps you can take.
How to use your High Lp(a) Results in your Healthcare
If you have recently found out that you have high levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], it's important to know how you can use your results in your healthcare.
1. Journal of Clinical Lipidology: Use of Lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association. Online: lipidjournal.com
2. Indian Heart Journal: Lipoprotein(a): An independent, genetic, and causal factor for cardiovascular disease and acute myocardial infarction. Online: sciencedirect.com
3. Journal of the American Heart Association: Lipoprotein(a) Testing Trends in a Large Academic Health System in the United States. Online: ahajournals.org
4. Family Heart Foundation. Diagnosing high lipoprotein (a). Online: familyheart.org