Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test
Reviewed
Also called: cholesterol Lp(a), Lp(a)
A lipoprotein (a) test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood.
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 for a lipoprotein (a) test 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. Before you get a lipoprotein (a) test, 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. 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
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 lipoprotein (a) 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: For that reason, diet and exercise may not change your lipoprotein (a) levels. Next step: But if you have a high level of lipoprotein (a), it's very important to take steps to improve your heart health.
- Your lipoprotein (a) level over time: 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. Limitation: But test results may be affected by certain health conditions. Next step: Talk with your provider about what your test results mean.
- 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
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 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?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test