High Lp(a): What should your next steps be?
27.MAR.2024
Written by Anna Sanniti Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton
If you have discovered that your levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are high, you should discuss these results with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will assess your overall risk for cardiovascular disease and provide you with advice on how to manage your unique risk factors. This may include changes to your diet and lifestyle, cholesterol-lowering medications, and management of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. ² You can read more about other potential risk factors here. In addition to contacting your healthcare provider, in this article we will discuss some additional steps you can take, including:
A virtual consultation with LetsGetChecked
Family Lp(a) testing
A virtual consultation with LetsGetChecked
As well as consulting with your healthcare provider, you can also reach a board-certified healthcare provider with the LetsGetChecked secure messaging service. Here you can receive advice and answers to your questions quickly and easily, all from the comfort of home. The team will assess your health and provide clear next steps for testing, prescriptions, and treatment. You can learn more about virtual consultations here.
Family Lp(a) testing
As your Lp(a) levels are determined by your genes, high Lp(a) levels can run in your family. You should discuss your high Lp(a) results with family members and talk to your healthcare provider for their recommendations for extended family testing. ³ Family members can easily purchase a LetsGetChecked cholesterol blood test online to check their Lp(a) levels too.
Managing other risk factors
It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the management of other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Let’s recap
If you have high Lp(a) levels there are many options for your next steps.
You should speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to understand more about your overall risk for cardiovascular disease.
LetsGetChecked also offers virtual consultations with a board-certified healthcare provider.
You should also discuss your high Lp(a) results with family members.
Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.
References
1. Indian Heart Journal: Lipoprotein(a): An independent, genetic, and causal factor for cardiovascular disease and acute myocardial infarction. Online: sciencedirect.com 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines. Online: cdc.gov 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lipoprotein (a). Online: cdc.gov 4. Atherosclerosis: Non-genetic influences on lipoprotein (a) concentrations. Online: atherosclerosis-journal.com