Lipoproteins Lp A Test

Lp(a) is ordered, along with other lipid tests, when an individual has a family risk of developing CVD, and still the HDL and LDL levels are shown normal.

Your doctor would recommend this test for you if he sees the risk of a Cardio Vascular Disease and also when:

Some health practitioners may also order these tests when:

• A person has existing heart or vascular disease, especially those individuals who have healthy lipid levels or ones that are only mildly elevated
• Someone may have an inherited predisposition for high cholesterol level
• A person has had a stroke or heart attack but has normal or only mildly elevated lipids

Lipoprotein-Lp (a) is a carrier or transporter of cholesterol in the blood, similar to LDL or what we call as “bad cholesterol”. The Lp(a) test is used to detect elevation is the blood lipoprotein (a) level assessed as a possible risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The test may be used in concomitantly with routine lipid profile to yield additional information to assess a person’s risk for developing CVD.

If Lp (a) is high, it implies a need for more aggressive treatments to reduce or control some other risk factors, which are treatable -such as an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL).