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

Who is at risk?

High Lp(a) is inherited, and people may be unaware they have it unless they get tested. One factor to consider is your family’s history. If someone in your immediate family, like a parent or sibling, had a heart attack or stroke at an unexpected early age, it could be a sign that high Lp(a) may run in the family.

High Lp(a) may be more common than you think

High lipoprotein (a) is common. In fact, about 1 in 5 people may have inherited high Lp(a). That's about 60 million Americans.

High Lp(a) is even more common in Black and South Asian individuals. It is especially important to be tested for high Lp(a) if you have had a heart attack or stroke at a younger age (for men, this means before age 55, and for women, before age 65). Learn how to get tested.