Lipoprotein (a)
Learn about Lp(a)
Many people don’t have symptoms. You could have a high Lp(a) even if you have a healthy lifestyle and all other heart disease risk factors are controlled. Talk with your health care professional about screening if you have:
- Known family history of high Lp(a)
- Family or personal history of heart disease or premature cardiovascular disease
- Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition that causes the body to poorly recycle LDL or bad cholesterol
What is Lp(a)?
![What is Lp(a)? downloadable](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/What-is-Lpa.jpg?h=400&iar=0&mw=600&w=600)
Get an overview of Lp(a).
Understanding the Lp(a) Test
![Understanding the Lp(a) Test downloadable](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/Lpa-Test.jpg?h=400&iar=0&mw=600&w=600)
Download this one-page fact sheet.
Understanding My Lp(a) Risk
![Understanding my Lp(a) Risk downloadable](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/Lpa-Discussion-Guide.jpg?h=333&iar=0&mw=600&w=500)
Find questions to ask your doctor about Lp(a).
Cascade Screening
![Understanding cascade screening](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Understanding-Cascade-Screening-3x2.jpg?h=416&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
A genetic screening that provides early detection of hereditary conditions such as Lp(a).
Lp(a) Myths Vs. Facts
![Lp(a) myths vs facts](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/Lpa-Myths-3x2.jpg?h=416&iar=0&mw=600&w=600&sc_lang=en)
Check your knowledge of Lp(a) myths and facts.
Lp(a) FAQ
Often referred to as Lp(a), lipoprotein (a) is a type of lipoprotein that is genetically inherited and in high levels is a common independent risk factor for heart disease.
About 1 in 5 people worldwide have high Lp(a).
Talk to your health care professional about screening if you have:
- Known family history of high Lp(a).
- Family or personal history of heart disease or premature cardiovascular disease.
- Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition where the body poorly recycles LDL cholesterol.
Talk to your health care professional about ordering a simple blood test for you.
should I get tested?
Yes, if you have a known family history of high Lp(a), talk to your health care professional about getting a simple blood test ordered.
Greater than or equal to 125 nmol/L (or ≥ 50 mg/dL) equates to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Although Lp(a) is not affected by lifestyle changes, it is still important to lower your overall risk of heart attack and stroke including eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping tobacco use and getting enough sleep. It’s also important to take medications as prescribed.
Many people don’t have symptoms. You could have a high Lp(a) and have all other heart disease related risk factors controlled.
Understanding Lp(a)
Understanding Your Diagnosis
![Lp(a) questions to ask your doctor](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/Lpa-Questions.jpg?h=350&iar=0&mw=600&w=510&sc_lang=en)
How does Lp(a) impact my health?
Heart & Stroke Helper App
![Ceirra holding balloons](/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Lpa/Ceirra-Zeigler.jpg?h=378&iar=0&mw=2000&w=450&sc_lang=en)
Read Ceirra's storyThe 10th Anniversary Of My Triple Diagnosis
'You just had a heart attack' were not the words I expected to hear as a 14-year-old girl when I woke from my hospital bed.
Novartis is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Lp(a) Awareness and Testing Initiative.