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Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein in your blood. Your level is mostly inherited, and when it is high, it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. About 1 in 5 people have high Lp(a), and many have no symptoms.

If your Lp(a) level is 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher, your risk of heart disease and stroke may increase, and if your level is 250 nmol/L (100 mg/dL) or higher, your risk may double. Your individual risk depends on many factors, including age and blood pressure, not just your Lp(a).

Your health care professional can explain what your level means for you and help you plan next steps.

The standard lipid panel (cholesterol test) doesn’t include Lp(a). The only way to know your Lp(a) level is through a blood test. Ask your health care professional to order it. Current guidelines recommend that every adult be tested at least once in their lifetime. Testing may be especially important if you have:

• Family or personal history of premature heart disease (under 55 for men and under 65 for women)
• Known family history of high Lp(a)
• Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition in which people may be born with very high LDL levels

• Lp(a) levels tend to be higher in people of African descent and South Asian populations.
• Levels may also increase with certain life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.
• Conditions like kidney disease, liver disease and thyroid disease may raise Lp(a) levels.

If your Lp(a) level is high, cascade screening is recommended. This means testing your close family members, such your parents, siblings and children, to find others who may be at risk.

Although lifestyle changes don’t lower Lp(a) levels, you can lower your overall risk of heart disease and stroke by:

• Managing other risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Getting regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Getting 7-9 hours of restful sleep each day