Lipoprotein(a)

What it tests for:
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetic form of “bad” cholesterol that can significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis — even if your standard cholesterol levels are normal.

Why it matters:

• Elevated Lp(a) promotes plaque buildup in arteries and increases blood clot risk

• It is genetically inherited and not typically improved with lifestyle alone

• High Lp(a) is a silent risk factor — often missed in standard lipid panels

Who it’s for:
Highly recommended for individuals with a family history of heart disease, personal history of early cardiovascular events, or those wanting a deeper cardiovascular risk assessment beyond basic cholesterol numbers.

Note: This is a one-time test for most people, as Lp(a) levels remain relatively constant throughout life.