Lipoprotein(a) is a type of “bad” cholesterol that circulates in your blood. High levels of lipoprotein(a) can cause plaque buildup and inflammation in the arteries. When your level ishigh, it can significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or developing cardiovascular disease.
Lp(a) is an independent risk factor from LDL cholesterol, which is often called “bad” cholesterol. This means that even if your level of LDL cholesterol is healthy, a high level of Lp(a) can still increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Standard tests for cholesterol do not measure Lp(a).
While there is no approved treatment yet specifically for elevated Lp(a), our lipid experts at the Georgia Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Metabolism and Lipids can monitor and adjust patients’ medications to lower their risk in the meantime.
Georgia Heart Institute is currently involved in a prominent trial, called OCEAN(a) PreEvent, of a potential treatment option for some people with elevated lipoprotein(a). This trial is investigating how to treat patients who have not yet had a cardiovascular event.
How do I get tested for lipoprotein(a)?
It is recommended that everyone over the age of 18 get screened for high levels of lipoprotein(a). Lp(a) is primarily determined by genetics, and it remains stable throughout your life, so you might need to be tested only once. This screening can help your care team identify if you are at high risk and therefore intervene at an earlier stage. It is a low-cost test that is covered by most insurances. Ask your primary care provider about getting screened for lipoprotein(a).
Getting tested for Lp(a) is especially important if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease, or premature personal history of heart disease (younger than 55 for men, younger than 65 for women)
- Known family history of high Lp(a) levels.
- A diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition in which people may be born with very high LDL.
What is a normal level of lipoprotein(a)?
The lipoprotein(a) blood test gives you a number value for your Lp(a) level. Your result represents your heart disease risk as follows:
- Low risk: less than 75 nmol/L (or 30 mg/dL)
- Intermediate risk: 75 to 125 nmol/L (or 30 to 50 mg/dL)
- High risk: 125 nmol/L or higher (or 50 mg/dL or higher)
Anyone can have a high level of Lp(a), but South Asian people and Black people of African descent are more likely to have a high level.
Which clinics near me offer lipoprotein(a) screening services?
Your primary care provider or cardiologist can order a lipoprotein(a) screening for you. If you need help finding a primary care provider or cardiologist, call us today and our team can connect you with the right office.
Should I see a cardiologist if I have high lipoprotein(a)?
If you have been screened for lipoprotein(a) and your levels are higher than the standard range, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced cardiologist to assess your heart disease risk factors, review your medical history, and put in place your preventive cardiology plan. It’s important to know that high levels of lipoprotein(a) are often accompanied by no visible symptoms. The expert cardiologists at Georgia Heart Institute know how to care for patients with elevated Lp(a) and are here to help.
Choose Georgia Heart Institute
Georgia Heart Institute comprises some of the region’s leaders in heart disease care and research. We are proud to participate in advanced research trials and to offer cutting-edge treatment options for those with elevated Lp(a), as well as other disorders, improving the health of our community.
If you’re a PCP with a patient who needs lipoprotein(a) testing or treatment, reach out to our Prevention Center at 770-219-0960.
Veerappan “Ramesh” Subramaniyam, MD, is a preventive cardiologist with Georgia Heart Institute.