Log in
Buy a test that includes BIOMARKER NAME
Sale
Men's Health Check Plus 40 and over (includes PSA test)
Our largest and most comprehensive health check that provides an in-depth medical assessment for you as a man. Includes PSA test.
Lipoprotein(a), often called Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol particle found in your blood. Imagine your bloodstream as a network of roads and Lp(a) as delivery trucks carrying cargo—cholesterol and fats—to various parts of your body. However, Lp(a) is a special kind of truck with an extra attachment called apolipoprotein(a), which makes it different from regular cholesterol particles. This unique structure can cause Lp(a) to contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits, or plaque, inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow or block your blood vessels, similar to how traffic congestion can slow down or stop movement on a busy road. This can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Unlike other types of cholesterol that can be influenced by diet and exercise, Lp(a) levels are largely determined by your genes and tend to remain constant throughout your life. Knowing your Lp(a) levels can provide valuable insights into your heart health and help you and your doctor make informed decisions to protect your cardiovascular system.
Measuring your Lp(a) levels provides important information about your genetic risk for heart disease and stroke. Since high Lp(a) levels can contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries independently of other cholesterol levels, knowing your Lp(a) status can help you and your healthcare provider develop a more comprehensive plan to protect your heart. This is especially crucial if you have a family history of early heart disease or if you have normal cholesterol levels but still have concerns about heart health. By identifying high Lp(a) levels, you can take proactive steps to manage other modifiable risk factors more aggressively.
Lp(a) levels are primarily influenced by genetics, meaning they are inherited from your parents. They can vary widely between individuals and are not significantly affected by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, or weight. This means that even if you have a healthy lifestyle, you could still have high Lp(a) levels if it runs in your family. Certain medical conditions, like kidney disease or hormonal imbalances, may also impact Lp(a) levels. Additionally, estrogen levels can influence Lp(a), so women may experience changes during pregnancy or menopause. Some medications, like niacin, can lower Lp(a) levels to a small extent, but overall, factors that typically affect other cholesterol levels do not have a significant impact on Lp(a).
Since Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, they are not significantly affected by lifestyle changes like diet or exercise. If your Lp(a) levels are high or approaching high, you can focus on controlling other cardiovascular risk factors to reduce your overall risk. This includes maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, managing blood pressure, not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and staying physically active. Medications specifically targeting Lp(a) are limited, but your doctor may consider treatments like niacin or discuss new therapies under development. If your levels are low or close to low, continue with a healthy lifestyle to maintain your overall heart health. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your status and adjust your health plan as needed.
Since Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics, they are not significantly affected by lifestyle changes like diet or exercise. If your Lp(a) levels are high or approaching high, you can focus on controlling other cardiovascular risk factors to reduce your overall risk. This includes maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, managing blood pressure, not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and staying physically active. Medications specifically targeting Lp(a) are limited, but your doctor may consider treatments like niacin or discuss new therapies under development. If your levels are low or close to low, continue with a healthy lifestyle to maintain your overall heart health. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your status and adjust your health plan as needed.
Our largest and most comprehensive health check that provides an in-depth medical assessment for you as a man. Includes PSA test.
