What is Lipoprotein A / Lp(a) Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Lipoprotein A / Lp(a) Test used for?

Lp(a) is not a test that is performed routinely, it is indicated to screen for the risk of heart attack, stroke, and various other heart diseases. Lp(a) is mainly advised for patients with a family history of heart diseases.

Understanding the test results of Lipoprotein A / Lp(a) Test.

A high Lp(a) value means the patient has a greater risk of heart disease. There are no drugs available to reduce the Lp(a) level; however, doctors may suggest lifestyle medications and prescribe drugs to lower the risks of other conditions that further increase the risk of heart disease.

Why do I need Lipoprotein A / Lp(a) Test?

An Lp(a) test is indicated in those with a familial history of high Lp(a) level, to screen for the risk of heart disease, assess the need for lipid-lowering medications.

What happens during Lipoprotein A / Lp(a) Test?

Before the Lp(a) test, 9-12 hours fasting is recommended. Blood samples are collected just like any other blood test. The healthcare profession draws blood from the patient's vein in the upper arm, collects it in a test tube or vial, and analyzes it in the laboratory. The blood collection only lasts for only a few minutes.

What is Lipoprotein A and what does it mean for you?

Lipoprotein A is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is involved in the transportation of lipids in the blood. The levels of Lp(a) are determined by genetics, and a high Lp(a) level will increase the risk of heart diseases.

How does lipoprotein cause heart disease?

In a healthy person, the Lp(a) levels remain constant and are associated with genetics to a huge extent. Lp(a) is synthesized in the liver and is usually found accumulating in the inner linings of the arteries. This accumulation of Lp(a), given it is a lipid can lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is associated with the presence of fatty plaques in the arteries and will lead to heart disease, heart attack as well as stroke. Additionally, Lp(a) enhances inflammation in the arteries and the synthesis of fat cells which are capable of binding to the atherosclerotic plaques. The presence of high levels of Lp(a) is damaging to the arterial walls, and high Lp(a) levels after a heart attack are associated with fewer chances of survival.

What should I do if I have high lipoprotein A?

As of now, there are no Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved drugs for the treatment of high Lp(a) levels. Dietary and lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of other factors that are associated with a high risk of heart diseases.

How do you reduce Lp(a)?

Even though lifestyle habits do not have a significant impact on Lp(a) levels, maintaining a healthy diet, smoking cessation, weight reduction, and exercise can be beneficial to the overall health. Lp(a) levels are significantly associated with genetics and are not affected by either medications or lifestyle modifications.

Who should be tested for lipoprotein A?

Those with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney patients, hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolemia, nephrotic syndrome, and those who have a family history of high Lp(a) level have a greater risk for high Lp(a) levels.

How accurate is the lipoprotein test?

No medical test is 100%; however, Lp(a) testing is important in the screening of heart diseases. Normally, the Lp(a) levels are stable and increase in cases of kidney disease as well as some individual factors like age.

For more information, book an appointment at Yashoda Hospital.