Intro
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
It is not included in standard cholesterol tests.
Key Points
- Lp(a) is inherited and largely fixed
- High levels increase risk of heart attack and stroke
- Often missed in routine testing
- Recommended at least once in a lifetime
🚨 Breakout: The Blind Spot
You can have normal cholesterol and still have high Lp(a).
Standard tests won’t detect it.
Mechanism
Lp(a) promotes:
- Atherosclerosis
- Inflammation
- Thrombosis
Who Should Test
- Family history of early heart disease
- Unexplained cardiovascular events
- Borderline risk
FAQ
Q: Can Lp(a) be lowered?
A: Limited options currently, though new therapies are emerging.
Q: Is one test enough?
A: Usually yes—levels are genetically determined.