Measuring your Lipoprotein(a) or “Lp(a)” just once in your lifetime can identify a high genetic biomarker present in ~20% of people. High Lp(a) is a significant independent risk factor for ASCVD events.
Lipoprotein(a) is a low-density lipoprotein variant containing a protein called apolipoprotein(a). Genetic and epidemiological studies have identified lipoprotein(a) as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and related diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the National Lipid Association (NLA) recommend that higher-risk individuals be screened for genetically high Lp(a) once in their lifetime as early as possible. Early screening ensures more complete risk management opportunities for addressing other modifiable risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
Specific individuals for whom Lp(a) screening would be highly recommended:
People already identified by other testing as being at high risk for strokes or heart attacks.
People with arterial plaque/blockage previously identified by coronary artery calcium score (CAC) or other noninvasive imaging.
People with a history of strokes or heart attacks.
People with family members who have had strokes or heart attacks at an early age.
People with genetically high LDL cholesterol or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
Do you want to know more about the complete Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment that includes Lp(a) as part of your overall risk assessment for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome?
Find your Lp(a) in 3 easy steps:
Place Your Order
Once we receive your order, within a couple of hours you’ll receive your lab requisition to go by any LabCorp location for your blood draw.
Have Your Blood Sample Drawn
Once your order is confirmed, you can go by any LabCorp location for a 5-minute walk-in blood draw.
No fasting is necessary for an Lp(a) draw.
Receive your Results
Within a couple of days, you can log in with your email address to Labcorp.com or wherever you receive lab results to download your Lp(a) results.
More about Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a)
What is elevated Lipoprotein(a)? Lp(a) is a form of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in which another protein, called Apo(a), is attached to each LDL particle as it carries cholesterol around in the body. Having elevated blood levels of Lipoprotein (a) raises a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke beyond what is normally seen from elevated LDL cholesterol alone. This is believed to be due to the Apo(a) protein, which may reduce the body’s ability to break down clots.
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) is usually inherited from a parent. 1 in 4 people (20%) of the population are believed to have elevated blood levels of Lipoprotein (a). African Americans may have higher levels. Besides genetics, Lipoprotein (a) levels may result from increased intake of some types of fats, and some medical conditions.
Elevated Lipoprotein (a) treatment is based on a person’s overall risk of heart attack or stroke. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the first step to reducing heart attack and stroke risk from elevated Lipoprotein(a). Medications also may help, but ‘statins’ do not lower Lipoprotein (a) levels. However, statins are the most used medication for lowering heart attack and stroke risk in general, and so they are the most used medicine to treat risk from elevated Lipoprotein (a). Niacin can lower Lipoprotein (a) levels by 25-40%, as can PCSK9 inhibitors, but both are used less often. A new medication for lowering Lipoprotein (a) is being tested. Be sure to speak with your physician about the various options that may be right for you.
Extracted from information provided by the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation.
If your Lp(a) is high, you should consider the following steps:
A more comprehensive screening for cardiovascular risk using tools like the Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment.
Practice a heart-healthy diet and exercise program—specifically, avoid trans-fats in your diet.
Noninvasive imaging, such as a coronary artery calcium score (CAC) to determine if you already have arterial plaque.
Screening for high Lp(a) in other family members (parents, children, siblings) that may carry this significant genetic risk factor.
Talk with your doctor or consider evaluation by a lipid specialist to discuss current and future treatments for elevated Lipoprotein (a) and whether these are for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you can order your Lp(a) lab test directly on our site as long as you can get to one of the 900+ LabCorp locations in the continental U.S.
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Yes! We are set up with our payment processor to accept FSA debit cards so you can pay for your lab test with pre-tax dollars.
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This is just for the Lipoprotein(a) lab test. You can separately order your comprehensive Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment to get a more complete picture of your metabolic, diabetic, and cardiovascular risk.
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While there is no medication or lifestyle/dietary changes that significantly affect Lp(a), you can still mitigate your risk by more diligently addressing your other risk factors.