Make a plan with your doctor if you have high Lp(a)

Lp(a): L-P-little a, Lipoprotein (a). Actor portrayals.

Work closely with your doctor to understand test results and figure out next steps

If your blood test shows that your lipoprotein (a) level is 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher, this indicates a high level. Because high Lp(a) is an emerging indicator of heart risk, this may be the first time you've heard about it. To help you discuss your results with your doctor, we developed a guide with important topics for you to address.

Get the Next Steps Guide

Jo used her knowledge of high Lp(a) to help manage her overall heart health

When Jo learned she had high Lp(a), it felt like she was destined to repeat her family’s history of early strokes. But she didn’t let fear take over—she became determined.

Video Transcript

For me, a physical challenge is something that I’m used to. But high Lp(a) was something different.

My name is Jo. I’m a 54-year-old retiree who has been in Tucson for the past 25 years. And I love the outdoors. I love being in the desert. Whether it’s hiking, tennis, running. I love the heat. This is where I want to stay.

I inherited a love of fun and fashion from my grandmother, and from my mom, I inherited her voice and even her handwriting. So, it’s no surprise to me that I might share another inherited condition that could impact my health.

My grandmother was the first to suffer a stroke in our family in her early 60s. My aunt suffered a stroke as well in her early 60s. And then finally, my mother also suffered a stroke in her early 60s.

When I heard about Lp(a), I decided to get tested. A simple blood test for an inherited risk factor.

I found out I had high Lp(a) and I realized this could be a missing piece of the puzzle to my family history.

High Lp(a) is an inherited condition that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Growing up, my family enjoyed cooking, eating, and gathering and didn’t really put a lot of emphasis on healthy diet necessarily.

So, I always thought that regular exercise and a healthy diet was all I needed to do. And now there is this component which is throwing a wrench in those plans.

I did discuss high Lp(a) with my doctor, and we talked about changes in lifestyle that I could make to control overall health, by paying attention to my diet and paying attention to blood pressure.

It’s about controlling other factors that contribute to heart disease.

Because it’s an inherited condition, I felt it important to discuss this with other family members and encourage them to be tested as well.

My mantra is just one foot in front of the other. In terms of Lp(a) and the impact it has on my health, I also have to approach that with the idea of... "keep moving forward."

I’d like to carry forth the dignity that my mother and grandmother possessed. And no matter what they were facing, they fought it head on while maintaining the joy of life.

If you have a family history of early heart attack or stroke, don’t wait. Get tested for high Lp(a).

Stay informed about research, testing, and resources for those with high Lp(a)

So, stay vigilant with your heart health today, and sign up for further updates and news on high Lp(a).

What you can do moving forward

Although your Lp(a) level is mostly inherited and not generally affected by lifestyle, healthy habits are still important for overall heart health.

Have an open conversation with your family members

If you have high Lp(a), it could mean that your family members do, too. By encouraging them to get tested, you could help them identify if they are at risk of heart disease.

Discussing personal health is not always easy, but an open conversation with your family may help them understand how high Lp(a) may affect everyone's heart health. Here are some helpful tips for talking to your family.

Consider talking to your doctor about the best time to get your children's Lp(a) level checked, if there is a family history of early heart disease and you have high Lp(a).

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