What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your lipoprotein(a) level means for your heart health and cardiovascular risk. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, exercise strategies, or whether you should discuss medication options with your cardiologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your heart health journey.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone with a family history of early heart disease, especially if relatives had heart attacks before age 55 (men) or 65 (women). It's also important if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or angioplasty at a young age, have high cholesterol that doesn't respond well to treatment, or are considering or have had coronary bypass surgery. People with unexplained cardiovascular disease despite normal cholesterol levels should also consider this test.

What is lipoprotein(a) and why does it matter?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a sticky type of cholesterol particle that can attach to artery walls and promote plaque buildup, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unlike other cholesterol types, your Lp(a) level is mostly determined by your genes and stays relatively constant throughout life. Knowing your level is crucial because elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for heart disease that standard cholesterol tests don't measure.

What does high lipoprotein(a) mean?

Elevated Lp(a) levels mean you have an increased genetic risk for developing heart disease, even if your other cholesterol numbers look good. High Lp(a) can accelerate plaque buildup in your arteries and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It's important to work with your doctor to manage other risk factors more aggressively, such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits.

How can I manage high lipoprotein(a) levels?

While Lp(a) levels are largely genetic and don't respond to diet or exercise alone, you can protect your heart by aggressively managing other risk factors. Focus on lowering your LDL cholesterol through diet, exercise, and possibly medication, maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid smoking, and manage stress effectively. Regular cardiovascular exercise, a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, and maintaining a healthy weight all help reduce overall heart disease risk even when Lp(a) is elevated.

What causes elevated lipoprotein(a)?

Elevated Lp(a) is primarily determined by your genetics and is inherited from your parents. Unlike other cholesterol types that are influenced by diet and lifestyle, Lp(a) levels are largely fixed from birth and remain relatively stable throughout your life. This is why family history of early heart disease is such an important indicator for getting tested.

How often should I retest my lipoprotein(a)?

Because Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and stay relatively stable throughout life, you typically only need to test once to know your baseline risk. However, if you're being treated for cardiovascular disease or have had procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery, your doctor may recommend periodic retesting to monitor your overall heart health status. Most people use this as a one-time screening test to understand their genetic heart disease risk.