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How to know if you are at risk of high Lp(a)

How to know if you are at risk of high Lp(a): Symptoms and risk factors

15.MAR.2024

Written by Anna Sanniti Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton

Lipoproteins are round particles made of protein and fat that exist in your bloodstream. Lipoprotein(a), otherwise known as Lp(a), is a different type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) produced by the liver. 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.¹ This stickiness makes it more likely to form blood clots or even create blockages by building plaques. You can read more about Lp(a) and why high levels can increase your risk of heart disease here.

Unlike your total cholesterol, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, your Lp(a) level cannot be significantly modified by diet and lifestyle interventions but is almost entirely determined (up to 90%) by your genes. ²

Although a healthy lifestyle will not lower Lp(a) levels, it can impact your overall risk so it is important to keep a healthy weight, not smoke, choose healthy foods and drinks, and get regular physical activity. Working with your healthcare provider to manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure is also important.

In this article, we will cover:

  • The importance of testing Lp(a) levels

  • Which populations are more at risk of high Lp(a)

  • What you should do if you get a high Lp(a) result

The importance of testing Lp(a) levels

Similar to LDL cholesterol levels, there are often no symptoms of high Lp(a) levels. Therefore the most reliable way to know if you have high Lp(a) is to get tested. Testing provides you with the information that you need to discuss your cardiac risk with your healthcare provider.³

Your healthcare provider may recommend Lp(a) testing if you have the following risk factors ³

  • Heart attack, stroke, or coronary artery disease before age 55 (in men) or age 65 (in women) without known risk factors, such as high LDL, smoking, diabetes, or obesity

  • Male or female family members who experienced a heart attack, or stroke before the age of 55 and 65, respectively

  • Poor circulation in your legs (called peripheral arterial disease)

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition causing very high levels of LDL cholesterol

  • Certain types of aortic stenosis

As Lp(a) levels are determined by genes, high Lp(a) levels can run in families. If you have a family member with high Lp(a) levels, talk to your healthcare provider about testing. ³

Some cholesterol tests do not include Lp(a) levels as standard. The cholesterol test by LetsGetChecked is an easy finger prick blood test that includes measurements of Lp(a). To check your levels of Lp(a) and other cholesterol markers, order your cholesterol test online today and share all results with your healthcare provider.

Which populations are more at risk of high Lp(a) levels?

High Lp(a) is seen in people of all races and ethnicities but appears to be more common in Black people. ³

High Lp(a) levels can run in families so you should discuss your 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.

What you should do if you get a high Lp(a) result

If you discover that your levels of Lp(a) are high, you should discuss these results with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to assess your overall risk for cardiovascular disease and provide you with advice on how to manage your unique risk factors.

Let’s recap

  • Lp(a) levels are almost entirely determined by your genes.

  • Healthy diet and lifestyle habits cannot improve your levels of Lp(a), but will still affect LDL cholesterol levels and have a profound impact on your cardiac risk overall.

  • If you have high Lp(a) consult your healthcare provider and discuss the result with your family members. While a healthy lifestyle will not lower Lp(a) levels, it does impact your overall risk so it is important to maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, choose healthy foods and drinks, and get regular physical activity. Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure is also important.

  • Testing is the most reliable way to know your Lp(a) levels. A cholesterol test is easy and involves just a simple finger prick of blood. To check your levels, order your cholesterol test online today.

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. Medline Plus: Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test. Online: medlineplus.gov 2. Indian Heart Journal: Lipoprotein(a): An independent, genetic, and causal factor for cardiovascular disease and acute myocardial infarction. Online: sciencedirect.com 3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Lipoprotein (a). Online: cdc.gov