Frequently Asked Questions About Lp(a)
Lipoprotein(a) or "Lp(a)" is a relatively unknown type of cholesterol. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you learn about Lp(a).
What is Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is similar to LDL cholesterol, but it is even more “sticky” than typical LDL cholesterol, making it even better at sticking to artery walls and potentially causing harmful blockages.
Is Lp(a) harmful?
Lp(a) itself is not inherently harmful; many people maintain normal levels of Lp(a). However, having high Lp(a) has been associated with a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
What causes elevated Lp(a)?
Elevated Lp(a) is primarily genetic, meaning it is inherited from your parents. If you have high levels, you typically have higher levels throughout your life. Current medications, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices like smoking do not generally affect Lp(a) levels.
If I have elevated Lp(a), does that mean my family will too?
Because elevated Lp(a) is primarily inherited from your parents, elevated levels may be common among members of your family. It does not mean that every family member will have elevated Lp(a), but you can encourage them to get tested for Lp(a).
Is an Lp(a) included in my annual lipid test?
Although it is easy to check your Lp(a) along with your other lipids, we typically don’t include the Lp(a) test because many insurance providers do not cover the costs. There are no currently approved medications to directly lower Lp(a) levels, which is why many insurance providers do not cover the costs.
What can I do if my Lp(a) levels are elevated?
Lp(a) levels are one component of your overall risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Other components include other lipid levels, like LDL cholesterol, obesity, diet, exercise, and smoking. If we know your cardiovascular risk is elevated due to high Lp(a) levels, we can try to reduce your overall risk by reducing other risk factors. There are promising medications going through clinical trials. If these become approved, we can start you on these medications.
How common is elevated Lp(a)?
It is believed that 20-25% of people have high Lp(a). African Americans and South Asians have higher levels, on average, than other groups.
Why are risks of elevated Lp(a) not widely known?
Knowledge about the risks associated with elevated Lp(a) are relatively new compared to other cardiovascular risk factors. Lack of regular testing is also a big factor in its low awareness among patients.
How often will I have to check my Lp(a)?
You only have to check your Lp(a) once to determine if your levels are elevated. Lp(a) is generally stable after the age of 5.
I already take cholesterol-lowering medications, do I need to worry about Lp(a)?
Unfortunately, conventional cholesterol-lowering medications do not help lower Lp(a) levels. There are no current medications approved for lowering Lp(a), but there are a number of promising research studies currently underway.
DISCLAIMER
This is not a substitute for information provided by your doctor. Please ask your doctor about your lab results to receive personalized guidance on actions you may need to take.