Pre test Information : No Special Preparation Needed

Lipoprotein (a) testing determines the amount of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. A high level of lipoprotein (a) may indicate an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Lipoproteins are protein and fat particles (lipids). They transport cholesterol from the bloodstream to the cells. Lipoproteins are classified into two types: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or "good" cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol. 

LDL (a) is a type of lipoprotein. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol to the cells of your arteries. Cholesterol can build up in your arteries and form plaques if you have high levels of LDL particles. This is referred to as atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." It can result in a variety of serious medical conditions, including: 

• Coronary artery disease is characterised by narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart.
• The heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral arterial disease is characterised by blocked arteries in the legs or arms.
• Other diseases of the blood vessels

Because lipoprotein (a) particles are stickier than other types of LDL particles, they may be more likely to cause artery blockages and blood clots. As a result, having high levels of lipoprotein (a) may put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions caused by artery blockages and blood clots. 

A lipoprotein (a) blood test can provide a more accurate picture of your risk than a standard cholesterol test that only measures total LDL cholesterol levels. This is because, while a routine cholesterol test may show that your LDL cholesterol level is "healthy," if a significant portion of your LDL cholesterol is carried by lipoprotein (a) particles, your risk for heart disease and stroke remains high. 

Other names: Lp(a) cholesterol, Lp (a) 

What is its purpose?

A lipoprotein (a) test can help you understand your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other blood vessel diseases. However, this is not a routine screening test. Lipoprotein (a) levels are still being studied to see how they affect health and when the test should be used. 

What is the purpose of a lipoprotein (a) test?

Your doctor may order the test if you have certain symptoms or health conditions that indicate you are at high risk for artery blockages, such as: 

• An early family history of heart or blood vessel disease (before age 55 for a father or brother and before age 65 for a mother or sister)
• High LDL cholesterol despite medication to reduce it
• Heart or blood vessel disease, particularly if your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are normal and you are not taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
• Symptoms of familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition
• Have you had multiple heart attacks or procedures to open up narrow or blocked arteries in your heart? (angioplasty)

The test may also be used to assist in weighing the risks and benefits of taking cholesterol medication to reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease.

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