You may have heard about Lp(a), but what is it? Lp(a), short for lipoprotein(a), is a type of particle found in your blood. It carries cholesterol through your body. Everyone has different levels of Lp(a). For some people, a high Lp(a) level can raise the risk of heart and blood vessel problems.

Why Does Lp(a) Matter?

A high Lp(a) level may increase the chance of plaque building up inside your blood vessels. Plaque is a sticky material made from things like cholesterol and other substances.

When plaque builds up, blood may have a harder time moving through your arteries. Over time, this may increase the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Narrowing of the heart's aortic valve

• Other heart and blood vessel problems

The important thing to know is that Lp(a) is mostly controlled by your genes. This means you can have a high Lp(a) level even if you eat well, exercise, and have a healthy weight.

Is Lp(a) the Same as Regular Cholesterol?

No. Lp(a) is different from the cholesterol numbers you may see on a standard cholesterol test. Your doctor may check your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides as part of a cholesterol test. Lp(a) is usually measured with a separate blood test. Because Lp(a) is strongly linked to your genes, your level often stays fairly stable throughout your life.

Who Should Get an Lp(a) Test?

Many people do not know their Lp(a) level because it is not always included in routine blood work.

Your doctor may recommend an Lp(a) test if you have:

• A family history of early heart disease

• A personal history of heart disease

• High cholesterol

• A family member with high Lp(a)

• Other risk factors for heart disease

What Is a High Lp(a) Level?

Lp(a) can be reported using different units, so there is not always one simple number that means "high." Your doctor can explain what your result means based on the type of test used and your overall heart health. If your Lp(a) is high, it does not mean that you will have a heart attack or stroke. It means you may have an additional risk factor that you and your doctor should consider.

Can You Lower Lp(a)?

Right now, lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and exercising do not usually lower Lp(a) very much because your genes play such a big role.

However, living a heart-healthy lifestyle is still very important. You can help protect your heart by:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Exercising regularly

• Not smoking

• Keeping blood pressure under control

• Managing your cholesterol

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Following your doctor's recommendations

Your doctor may also recommend treatment to manage other heart disease risk factors.

Why Are Researchers Studying Lp(a)?

Because high Lp(a) may increase the risk of heart disease, researchers are studying new ways to lower Lp(a) and reduce heart-related risks. Clinical trials are currently studying potential treatments for people with high Lp(a). A clinical trial is a research study that looks at whether a new treatment is safe and effective.

If you have been told that your Lp(a) is high, talk with your doctor about whether testing, treatment, or a clinical research study may be right for you.