lipoprotein-a-blood-test
Reviewed
Also called: cholesterol Lp(a), Lp(a)
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.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- A family health history of early heart or blood vessel disease (before age 55 for a father or brother and before age 65 for a mother or sister)
- High LDL cholesterol, even though you take medicine to lower it
- Heart or blood vessel disease, especially if your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are normal without taking medicine to lower them
- Signs of familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol levels
- Had more than one heart attack or more than one angioplasty (a procedure to open up narrow or blocked arteries in your heart)
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.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Talk with your provider about what your test results mean. Lipoprotein (a) levels usually don't change much over time, but test results may be affected by certain health conditions.
- High lipoprotein (a) level: A high level may mean you have a high risk for heart and blood vessel disease, even if your cholesterol levels are normal and you are healthy. Limitation: 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. Next step: 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.
- Normal or low lipoprotein (a) level: A normal or low level suggests a lower risk for heart and blood vessel disease related to lipoprotein (a). However, other risk factors may still be present. Limitation: A routine cholesterol test may show that your LDL cholesterol level is 'healthy,' but if a large percentage of your LDL cholesterol is carried by lipoprotein (a) particles, your risk could still be high. This test gives a more accurate understanding of your risk than a routine cholesterol test alone. Next step: Continue to follow your provider's recommendations for heart health, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing other risk factors.
- 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.
- What does my lipoprotein (a) level mean for my overall heart health?
- Should I take medicine to lower my LDL cholesterol?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of heart disease and stroke?
- How often should I have this test repeated?
- Do I need to tell my family members about my results?