What is High Lp(a) | What is Lp(a)

Mom and son making lunch in the kitchen.

High Lp(a) can be a
hidden inherited
condition

Actor portrayals.

Knowing if you have high Lp(a) can guide smart choices for your overall heart health—and your family's

You and your doctor may have already discussed conditions that may have increased the risk for an early heart attack or stroke. "Early" means having a heart attack or stroke younger than anyone might expect (for men this is before age 55, for women before age 65). Unless you ask to get tested for an inherited condition called high Lp(a), also known as Lipoprotein (a) or "L-P-little a," you could be missing some important information about your risk.

Lp(a) levels are 90% inherited, meaning they can be passed down from your parents, and are not generally affected by lifestyle, diet, or exercise. Lp(a) levels are usually set around age 5 and typically stay the same throughout life.

Talk to your doctor about high Lp(a), and see how getting tested can make a difference

Video Transcript

The difference between Lp(a) and high Lp(a)

Lp(a), also known as Lipoprotein (a), is in your blood and made up of both fat (lipo) and protein. Its main job is to help transport fats through your bloodstream.

Everyone naturally has Lp(a) in their blood, and that's perfectly normal; the risk comes when a person has a high level of Lp(a). Too much Lp(a) in the blood can stick to your artery walls and cause harmful blockages, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Having high Lp(a) also means you may be at a greater risk for having another heart attack or stroke in the future.

Know your Lp(a) level. The higher your number, the higher your risk.

Lower risk: <75 nmol/L (<30 mg/dL). Higher risk: ≥125 nmol/L (≥50 mg/dL)

Talk to your doctor about getting tested and whether any steps are needed to manage your overall heart health

*According to the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and 9 other medical societies, people who had an Lp(a) level of 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher were at greater risk of early heart attack or stroke compared to those who had an Lp(a) level of 20 nmol/L (7 mg/dL).

You can find out if you have high lipoprotein (a) with a simple blood test

No genetic testing is needed. It can be an empowering first step toward determining your overall heart health

Find out your Lp(a) level

“I exercise every day. My diet’s great. I’m not overweight. When people find out I have this genetic marker, they’re like, no, how can it be? I’m really passionate about telling people they need to get this test.”

—Linda B, heart-attack survivor with high Lp(a)

Understand the impact of high Lp(a) on overall heart health

Understand the risks