When it comes to heart health, most people have heard about “good” and “bad” cholesterol. But there’s another type of cholesterol that’s important to know about—lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) for short.
Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein particle that carries cholesterol in the blood. It’s structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, but includes an extra protein called apolipoprotein(a), which makes it more likely to stick to blood vessels. High Lp(a) levels are linked to a greater risk of heart disease, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attack, stroke or other heart conditions.
Recent guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology support measuring Lp(a) at least once in adulthood, particularly in individuals with high-risk conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Knowing your Lp(a) level could help you take steps to lower your risk.
Here’s the tricky part: Lp(a) levels are mostly inherited, and there are currently no targeted medications that specifically lower Lp(a) directly. However, researchers are studying new treatments. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. By living a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can lower your overall risk of heart disease—even if your Lp(a) is high.
Let’s explore how.
Move more: The power of physical activity
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart. It helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. While it may not directly lower Lp(a), it can improve your heart health.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Dancing
- Strength or resistance training
- Playing a sport you enjoy
Even small changes—like taking the stairs or parking farther away—can help you stay active throughout the day.
Eat smart: Fuel your heart with healthy foods
What you eat plays a big role in your heart health. A heart-healthy diet can help manage cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.
Here are some tips:
- Eat more:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Beans and lentils
- Fatty fish, like salmon or tuna (rich in omega-3s)
- Nuts and seeds
- Limit:
- Saturated fats (found in red meat, butter and cheese)
- Trans fats (found in many fried and processed foods)
- Salt intake
- Choose instead:
- Unsaturated fats from avocados, olive oil and nuts
- Lean proteins like skinless poultry, fish and plant-based options
These choices support your heart and may help reduce other risk factors linked to high Lp(a).
Stress less: Take care of your mental health
Did you know that chronic stress can affect your heart? It’s linked to high blood pressure and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, making heart problems more likely.
To manage stress, try:
- Yoga or meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Journaling
- Spending time with loved ones
- Getting enough sleep
Staying active and having a strong support system can also help you handle life’s ups and downs more easily.
Know your numbers: Test your Lp(a) levels
Many people with high Lp(a) or high cholesterol don’t have any symptoms. That’s why testing is so important; knowing your Lp(a) level can give you and your healthcare provider more insight into your risk for heart disease and stroke so you can make smarter, more proactive choices about your heart health. The test may be right for you if you have certain health conditions or markers that suggest a high risk of atherosclerosis, including factors such as:
- A personal or family history of heart disease or stroke before age 55 in men and age 65 in women
- High LDL cholesterol (even if you take medicine to lower it)
- Heart or blood vessel disease (especially if your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are normal without taking medicine to lower them)
- Family history of high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- A personal history of multiple heart attacks and/or procedures to open up blocked arteries
Lp(a) testing is one piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t diagnose heart disease but helps assess your risk. This is a one-time test that can be helpful in understanding your lifelong risk.
For a more complete picture of your heart health, consider Labcorp OnDemand’s Comprehensive Heart Health Test, which includes Lp(a), Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) and other important markers associated with heart disease risk.
