lipoprotein-a-blood-test
Reviewed
This test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. A high level may mean you have a high risk for heart disease and stroke. Lipoprotein (a) is a type of LDL that is stickier than other LDL particles, so it may be more likely to cause blockages and blood clots in your arteries. The test is not a routine screening; it is usually ordered if your provider thinks you might be at high risk for cardiovascular problems or if high levels run in your family.
Preparation and collection
Preparations depend on the lab doing the test. Usually, you need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood is drawn. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. Certain substances can affect your test results: tell your provider if you have been drinking alcohol or taking niacin supplements, aspirin, or oral estrogen hormones.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Your genes control how much lipoprotein (a) you make. By age 5, you usually have your 'adult level' of lipoprotein (a), and it tends to remain about the same for the rest of your life.
- Diet and exercise may not change your lipoprotein (a) levels.
- Test results may be affected by certain health conditions.
- Researchers are still studying how lipoprotein (a) levels affect health and when the test should be used.
What to do next
Talk with your provider about what your test results mean. If you have a high level, it is very important to take steps to improve your heart health. Your provider may suggest taking medicine to lower your LDL cholesterol if it is high, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, and lowering your blood pressure.