When we think about heart health, terms like “cholesterol” and “blood pressure” often come to mind. But there’s another, lesser-known player in the game: Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). It’s a silent risk factor for heart disease and stroke that doesn’t get much attention—but it should. Let’s break it down and explore how understanding Lp(a) can help you take control of your heart health.
What Is Lp(a), and Why Does It Matter?
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein—a particle that carries cholesterol through your bloodstream. Unlike the LDL (“bad cholesterol”) or HDL (“good cholesterol”) you might be familiar with, Lp(a) has a unique structure. It’s essentially LDL with an extra protein called apolipoprotein(a) attached to it.
Here’s why it matters: While cholesterol is necessary for building cells and hormones, too much of certain types—like LDL or Lp(a)—can build up in your blood vessels, leading to blockages. What makes Lp(a) particularly tricky is that it’s influenced by your genes, not your lifestyle. That means even if you eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain healthy habits, you might still have high Lp(a) levels if it runs in your family.
How Lp(a) Affects Your Heart
High levels of Lp(a) can quietly increase your risk of serious heart problems. Here’s how:
It Promotes Plaque Buildup
Lp(a) contributes to the formation of fatty deposits, or plaques, in your arteries. Over time, these plaques can narrow your blood vessels, limiting blood flow to your heart and other parts of your body.
It Increases the Risk of Clots
The apolipoprotein(a) component of Lp(a) seems to play a role in blood clotting. While clotting is essential for healing cuts or injuries, excessive clotting in your arteries can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
It is Linked to Aortic Stenosis
High Lp(a) levels are also associated with aortic stenosis, a condition where the valve that allows blood to leave your heart thickens and stiffens. This can make it harder for your heart to pump blood, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Because Lp(a) doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, it’s often called a “silent risk factor.” Many people don’t know they have high levels until they’ve already experienced a serious event like a heart attack.
Who Should Get Tested for Lp(a)?
So, should you check your Lp(a) levels? The short answer is: If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Here are some specific scenarios where testing makes sense:
Those with a family history of heart disease
If close family members—like a parent or sibling—had heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol at a young age, you could be at higher risk of elevated Lp(a).
Those with a personal history of heart problems
If you’ve already had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular issue without obvious risk factors like high LDL cholesterol or smoking, Lp(a) might be a contributing factor.
Those who have high cholesterol that’s hard to manage
If your cholesterol levels don’t improve despite making lifestyle changes or taking medications, testing for Lp(a) can provide additional insight.
A simple blood test can measure your Lp(a) levels. It’s a one-time test because your levels are primarily determined by genetics and typically don’t change much over time.
Steps You Can Take
If you discover you have high Lp(a), don’t panic. While it’s true that you can’t change your genetics, there are steps you can take to manage your overall risk:
Focus on a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
- Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. While diet alone won’t lower Lp(a), it helps keep your LDL cholesterol in check, which can reduce overall risk.
- Regular exercise strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
Talk to Your Doctor About Treatment Options
There isn’t a specific medication designed to lower Lp(a) yet, but research is underway. In the meantime, your doctor might recommend:
Statins – These drugs lower LDL cholesterol, which helps reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
PCSK9 Inhibitors – These injectable medications can lower LDL cholesterol and may have some effect on Lp(a) levels.
Aspirin – In certain cases, low-dose aspirin may be prescribed to reduce the risk of clots.
Stay Proactive
Managing high Lp(a) is about addressing all the factors that contribute to heart disease. Keep up with regular check-ups, follow your doctor’s advice, and stay informed about new treatments as they become available.
Schedule Your Consultation With The Heart Specialist
Lp(a) may not be as well-known as other risk factors, but it’s no less important. Understanding your Lp(a) levels and their potential impact on your heart is a vital step in protecting your long-term health.
If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, consider asking your doctor about testing for Lp(a). While you can’t change your genetics, you can take control of your lifestyle and work with your healthcare team to reduce your overall risk.
At The Heart Specialist, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from testing to treatment. Your heart deserves care—because when it comes to heart health, every step you take matters.
