At DAYHOFF, our recent client data revealed that 18% of users uncovered a serious but silent cardiovascular threat in their bloodwork: elevated lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). This aligns with estimates from the American College of Cardiology, which states that 20–25% of the global population may carry this risk factor.
Despite its prevalence, Lp(a) is often excluded from standard healthcare screenings—leaving many in the dark.
Quick Facts About Lp(a):
- Lp(a) is a genetically inherited lipoprotein
- Elevated levels are linked to a 2–4x higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and valve disease
- Lp(a) cannot be significantly influenced by diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes
- Testing is recommended at least once in your lifetime—but rarely offered in standard Canadian healthcare
What Is Lp(a) and Why Should You Care?
Lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a) or “L-P-little-a,” is a type of cholesterol particle similar to LDL (commonly known as “bad cholesterol”). What sets it apart? Lp(a) levels are determined almost entirely by your genes, and when elevated, can increase your risk of heart disease by 2 to 4 times.
It’s not something you develop from your lifestyle—it’s something you’re born with. And unless you specifically test for it, you might never know you have it.
Why Lp(a) Matters
Lp(a) isn’t widely discussed—even among some healthcare providers—but the medical research is clear: individuals with high Lp(a) are at significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Peripheral artery disease
One key insight from research: Lp(a) levels correlate linearly with cardiovascular risk. The higher your level, the greater your risk—without a known “safe” threshold.
Is Lp(a) Genetic?
Yes. Lp(a) levels are primarily controlled by a specific gene, LPA on chromosome 6. Unlike other risk factors like diet or lifestyle, this one is mostly determined before you’re even born.
If one parent has high Lp(a), you’re more likely to inherit it. But only a blood test can confirm your levels.
Could Lp(a) Have Affected a Family Member’s Heart Health?
Possibly. While it’s impossible to say definitively whether high Lp(a) caused a loved one’s heart attack or stroke, if you have a family history of early heart disease, testing your Lp(a) could be one of the most important steps you take for your own health.
What’s Considered a High Lp(a) Level?
Canadian guidelines suggest that levels above 50 mg/dL (100 nmol/L) are elevated. However, many healthcare experts—including our team at DAYHOFF—consider 30 mg/dL (75 nmol/L) as the threshold for increased cardiovascular risk.
And remember: the higher the number, the higher the risk. There’s no clear cutoff where risk “suddenly starts”—it rises gradually with your Lp(a) level.
Can Lp(a) Be Lowered?
Right now, there are no approved treatments in Canada that specifically target Lp(a). But research is underway:
- PCSK9 inhibitors have shown the potential to reduce Lp(a) levels by about 30%, although clinical trials are still ongoing to confirm their effectiveness.
- Lipoprotein apheresis, a blood filtration procedure, can significantly reduce Lp(a) levels, though it’s typically reserved for high-risk individuals.
But I Eat Well and Exercise—Why Are My Lp(a) Levels Still High?
That’s the thing about Lp(a)—your healthy habits don’t affect it much. While regular exercise and good nutrition are crucial for overall heart health, they won’t lower Lp(a). High levels are rooted in your genetics.
Does Diet Have Any Impact?
No direct impact on Lp(a), but don’t give up on your healthy eating habits. A balanced diet can improve other heart-related markers like LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which influence your overall cardiovascular risk.
Other Markers to Watch
If your Lp(a) is elevated, it’s even more important to keep other biomarkers in check, including:
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- ApoB
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
Optimizing these markers can help you balance out the risk that Lp(a) poses.
How to Lower Your Heart Disease Risk If You Have High Lp(a)
You may not be able to lower your Lp(a) directly (yet), but you can still take powerful steps to protect your heart:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity per week
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Talk to your doctor about statins or other preventive therapies
Why Isn’t Lp(a) Tested in Standard Canadian Healthcare?
Although the Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommends everyone test Lp(a) at least once in their life, it’s not part of most routine health checkups. Typically, doctors order a standard lipid panel—which does not include Lp(a)—and only later in life (usually post-50) might they recommend a specific Lp(a) test.
The reasons? Cost, lack of awareness, and the fact that current treatments don’t specifically target Lp(a). But early detection is still valuable—because knowledge can help you make smarter lifestyle and medical decisions.
How to Test Your Lp(a) with DAYHOFF
At DAYHOFF, we make it easy to uncover critical health insights. Our comprehensive biomarker testing includes Lp(a)and over 40+ key indicators that affect your longevity and wellness.
With your results, you’ll receive:
- A clear breakdown of your cardiovascular and metabolic risk
- A personalized action plan designed by experts
- Guidance for long-term health optimization and disease prevention
Take the First Step Toward Medicine 3.0
Modern medicine is moving away from reactive care and toward personalized, proactive wellness. That’s what we believe in at DAYHOFF.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to discover what your body is trying to tell you. Get ahead of your health risks with real data, expert guidance, and a personalized wellness roadmap.
DAYHOFF is your partner in precision health.
We empower you with the tools and insights you need to take control of your longevity and reach your fullest potential—because your future self depends on the decisions you make today.
