Lp(a): The “Hidden” Cholesterol Number

Lp(a): The “Hidden” Cholesterol Number

We've all had the cholesterol conversation.

Your doctor glances at your lab work, nods thoughtfully, and says something about your cholesterol, and maybe suggests eating a little less cheesecake. You promise to exercise more. Everybody feels productive.

But here's the twist: you can have beautiful cholesterol numbers, run 5Ks on weekends, eat enough kale to frighten a rabbit, and still drop dead from a sudden heart attack.

Meet Lipoprotein(a) – or Lp(a) (pronounced lipoprotein little a). It isn't new. It isn't rare. It just doesn't get invited to most routine cholesterol tests.