Understanding Lp(a)
Lp(a), pronounced “L-P-little-a,” is an inherited type of cholesterol particle. A high level raises your risk of heart attack and stroke, and a standard cholesterol panel does not measure it.
What Lp(a) Is
Lp(a) is a cholesterol particle you are largely born with. Your level is set mostly by your genes and stays fairly stable throughout life, no matter your diet or lifestyle.
About one in five people has a high Lp(a). Because it is inherited, a high result can also be a signal for close family members to get checked.
Why It Matters
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| High Lp(a)Increased Cardiovascular Risk | Adds to your risk of heart attack, stroke, and narrowing of the heart valves, independent of your standard cholesterol. |
| Normal Lp(a)Lower Inherited Risk | One less risk factor to worry about. |
What’s Most Important to Know
Lp(a) usually only needs to be checked once in your lifetime, since it does not change much. It is especially worth knowing if you have a personal or family history of early heart disease.
A high Lp(a) does not mean a heart attack is inevitable. It means we should be more aggressive about the risk factors we can control, like LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle. Dr. Mui will help you build a plan.
This page is for general education and does not replace a conversation with your doctor about your specific results. Want to review your results? Book a visit and we’ll go through them together.