High Lp(a): Expert Insights & Future Possibilities for Your Heart Health

You can request an Lp(a) test from your healthcare provider, but it may not be covered by insurance. To check if no-cost Lp(a) testing through Care Access is available in your area, visit MyFreeHeartTest.com.

Care Access typically sends results by email. In addition, a tentative results call is scheduled in case the team wants to go over the results with you. If you had your testing completed more than 3 weeks ago and still have not received a copy of your results, contact [email protected].

No, there can be variability in the measurement units (mg/dL vs. nmol/L), which can make interpreting results confusing. Standardization efforts are underway. Organizations such as the National Lipid Association (NLA) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) are advocating for universal reporting in nmol/L and improved assay standardization.

Lp(a) levels are mostly genetic and generally remain stable over time. That means that you will likely only need to get tested once in your lifetime.

Less than (30 mg/dL or 75 nmol/L): Normal
30-50 mg/dL or 75-125 nmol/L: Borderline High
More than (50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L): High

The reference range is based on population studies correlating Lp(a) levels with cardiovascular risk.

If your doctor is unfamiliar with Lp(a) or reluctant to order the test, you can share these professional resources:

• Care Access Doctor’s Guide to Lp(a)
• National Lipid Association(NLA) – Update on use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice
• American College of Cardiology (ACC) – Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease: Key Points
• European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) – EAS Consensus Statement
• American Heart Association (AHA) – Lp(a) for Professionals

Yes, Lp(a) is independent of LDL and can be elevated even if your cholesterol is normal.

Statins can sometimes raise Lp(a) levels slightly. However, they still reduce overall cardiovascular risk by lowering LDL, which is beneficial.

Yes, PCSK9 inhibitors (like Repatha and Praluent) can lower Lp(a) by about 20−30%, although they are mainly used to reduce LDL.

While blood thinners (antiplatelets or anticoagulants) don’t reduce Lp(a), they may help lower the risk of blood clots, which is elevated in people with high Lp(a).

Daily aspirin may be considered for individuals with high Lp(a) and additional risk factors for heart disease. However, it’s not universally recommended due to potential bleeding risks. Consult your doctor.

Weight loss does not significantly lower Lp(a) since levels are largely genetic. However, losing weight can reduce other risk factors, such as LDL and inflammation. Therefore, weight loss is a great way to reduce your overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

There is no current evidence that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic directly lower Lp(a). They mainly aid in weight loss and blood sugar control, which can reduce your overall cardiovascular disease risk.

Yes, people with high Lp(a) may benefit from proactive imaging tests, such as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, to assess hidden plaque buildup. Talk with your doctor to determine which screening is best for you.

No, high Lp(a) is not linked to liver disease. It primarily increases cardiovascular risk.

No specific diet or supplement reliably lowers Lp(a). Maintaining a heart-healthy diet helps reduce overall risk, but Lp(a) levels remain mostly unchanged.

Emerging research suggests that high Lp(a) may be linked to a slightly increased risk of dementia, but more studies are needed.

No, DNA does not change after a blood transfusion. Lp(a) levels will reflect your own genetics.

Yes, some populations, including Native Americans, tend to have lower Lp(a) levels despite a high prevalence of diabetes. The reason is not fully understood but may be genetic.

Temporary increases due to conditions like cancer or acute inflammation can last for weeks to months.

Annual checkups, including lipid panels, inflammation markers (hs-CRP), and imaging tests (calcium score, CT angiography), can help monitor your condition.

Phase 3 trials are underway. If successful, Lp(a)-specific treatments could be available within the next few years.

Not everyone is eligible for current trials. Care Access will contact you if we believe you might be a good fit for a study.

It depends, some trials allow participants to remain on a PSK9 drug provided the dose has been stable for several months.

Most Lp(a)-targeting drugs specifically reduce Lp(a) without significantly impacting other lipids like LDL or HDL.

Many trials have specific eligibility criteria, but new studies are constantly opening. If you completed your Lp(a) screening through Care Access, you may be contacted about future clinical trial opportunities even if you are not currently eligible for a trial.

Yes, most trials share key information with participants’ physicians, especially if safety concerns or new findings arise. However, laboratory values directly affected by the investigational agent often remain blinded during the duration of the trial.

Clinical trials report common side effects like injection site reactions or flu-like symptoms, but no major safety concerns have been identified yet.

Some trials require family history information to determine eligibility, which may be difficult to confirm if you’re adopted.

Trials evaluating new medicines for safety and efficacy are usually much shorter (weeks to months), while those focused on clinical outcomes (i.e. if the drug lowers the likelihood of getting a heart attack or stroke), could last several years.

You don’t need health insurance, and you won’t pay for any check-ups or treatments that are part of the trial. In addition, you’ll receive stipend payments for your time and travel, usually based on the number of visits.

Yes, you can stop participation in a trial at any time for any reason.

Yes, you can join on your own. However, it is important to inform your doctor about participation in a clinical trial.

It depends on the specific clinical trial. Some clinical trials focus on preventing things like future heart attack or stroke for people with existing cardiovascular disease, while others clinical trials focus on preventing or slowing disease progression for people who are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Yes, many trials do allow extensions of treatments after the trial ends. This information is usually outlined for each trial during the Informed Consent process.