Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: 9–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 4–7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Detects genetic cardiovascular risk standard cholesterol panels often miss
- No doctor referral required for confidential, direct-access testing
- Empowers proactive heart health with personalized risk insights
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with family history of early heart disease or stroke
- People with high LDL cholesterol unresponsive to medications
- Anyone seeking personalized cardiovascular risk assessment
- Those who have experienced unexplained cardiovascular events
- Health-conscious consumers wanting comprehensive heart health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test and complete your purchase securely.
- Visit a lab — Go to any partnering lab location for a simple blood draw.
- Get results — Receive confidential results within 4-7 days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures lipoprotein (a) levels in your blood, a genetically determined cholesterol particle that increases risk of artery plaque buildup and abnormal blood clotting.
Is this test different from a regular cholesterol test? Yes. Unlike standard lipid panels, this test specifically targets lipoprotein (a), an independent cardiovascular risk factor not well captured by typical cholesterol screening.
Can diet or exercise lower my lipoprotein (a) levels? Lipoprotein (a) levels are primarily genetic and remain stable throughout life, so they're not significantly affected by diet or exercise, though overall heart health habits remain important (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Do I need to fast before this test? Yes, fasting for 9–12 hours before your blood draw is typically recommended for accurate results.
How often should I get this test? Lipoprotein (a) levels remain stable over time, so routine repeat testing is generally not necessary unless your treatment or cardiovascular risk status changes (American College of Cardiology 2023).
What happens if my levels are high? Elevated levels warrant further cardiovascular evaluation and may lead to personalized treatment strategies, including managing other heart disease risk factors more aggressively.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
A Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test measures the concentration of lipoprotein (a), a protein-lipid complex that transports cholesterol through your bloodstream. Unlike standard cholesterol tests, this test identifies a genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis (American Heart Association 2023).
Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels can contribute to artery plaque buildup and promote abnormal blood clotting. Approximately 20% of the population has elevated lipoprotein (a) levels that may increase cardiovascular risk, and these elevated levels can increase coronary artery disease risk by about 50% (National Institutes of Health 2024).
The test provides early detection of cardiovascular risk that standard cholesterol panels may miss, empowering you with actionable insights for proactive heart health management. This is particularly valuable for individuals with unexplained high cholesterol levels resistant to treatment or those seeking personalized preventive health strategies.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is especially beneficial for individuals who:
- Have a family history of early heart disease or stroke
- Experience high LDL cholesterol unresponsive to standard therapy
- Have a personal history of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke
- Possess multiple cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking
- Seek comprehensive risk assessment beyond traditional cholesterol screening
- Want to understand genetic cardiovascular predisposition for personalized prevention
Early detection through lipoprotein (a) testing can lead to tailored therapies that reduce heart attack risk and improve long-term health outcomes (American College of Cardiology 2023).
When should I order a Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you:
- Have a family history of premature cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke before age 55 in men, 65 in women)
- Show elevated LDL cholesterol despite medications like statins
- Have experienced an unexplained cardiovascular event at a young age
- Want to establish a baseline for personalized heart health planning
- Have been advised by a healthcare provider to assess additional cardiovascular risk factors
You should also consider this test if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of potential heart disease. However, a healthcare professional can best determine if this test is appropriate based on your specific medical history and risk profile.
How do I interpret the results?
<30 mg/dL
- Meaning: Low risk
- Action: Continue routine cardiovascular health monitoring
30–50 mg/dL
- Meaning: Moderate risk
- Action: Discuss additional risk factors with your healthcare provider
>50 mg/dL
- Meaning: Elevated risk
- Action: Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation and personalized management plan
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
To ensure accurate results:
- Fast for 9–12 hours before your blood draw (water is permitted)
- Avoid smoking before sample collection
- Continue regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider
- Inform lab staff of any medications or supplements you're taking
Following these preparation steps helps ensure test integrity and reliable results for proper cardiovascular risk assessment.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening (family history or risk factors): Test once to establish a baseline.
- Normal baseline result: Repeat testing is generally not needed.
- Elevated result with treatment changes: Test as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Change in cardiovascular risk status: Consider retesting based on provider guidance.
Because lipoprotein (a) levels are genetically determined and remain stable over time, routine repeat testing is typically not necessary. However, retesting may be appropriate if your treatment plan or overall cardiovascular risk profile changes significantly.
Why early detection matters
Early detection of elevated lipoprotein (a) levels allows you to:
Take proactive action. Identifying genetic cardiovascular risk early enables personalized prevention strategies before symptoms develop. Early detection through lipoprotein (a) testing can lead to tailored therapies that significantly reduce heart attack risk and improve long-term outcomes (American College of Cardiology 2023).
Optimize treatment. Understanding your lipoprotein (a) status helps healthcare providers develop more aggressive management plans for other modifiable risk factors. This may include stricter blood pressure and cholesterol targets, as well as lifestyle modifications.
Inform family screening. Since lipoprotein (a) levels are inherited, your results may prompt screening for at-risk family members. Approximately 20% of the population has elevated levels that increase cardiovascular risk (American Heart Association 2023).
Make informed decisions. Knowledge of your genetic risk empowers you to make lifestyle choices and medical decisions that protect your cardiovascular health for years to come.
Related tests you may consider
Lipid Panel – Comprehensive cholesterol profile including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides for broader heart risk assessment
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) – Measures inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk, complementing lipoprotein (a) insights
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) Test – Quantifies all atherogenic lipoprotein particles for comprehensive cardiovascular risk stratification
