Lab test
Lp(a) Test - Coronary Heart Disease Test
A lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), test measures the level of this cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood.
- Typical price
- From $49
- Results
- 1-3 business days
- Preparation
- See preparation notes below
- Sample
- Blood draw or sample collection at a local center
About this test
A lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), test measures the level of this cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood. Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics, so levels tend to stay fairly stable over a person's lifetime rather than changing much with diet. An elevated Lp(a) level can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, and clinicians may order the test when a person has a strong family history of cardiovascular disease or heart disease without other obvious risk factors. It is a risk marker, not a diagnosis, and is interpreted with the full clinical picture.
What this test measures
- Lipoprotein(a) A genetically influenced cholesterol-carrying particle; an elevated level is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Who this test may be right for
- People with a family history of early heart disease or heart attack
- Individuals with cardiovascular disease despite normal standard cholesterol levels
- Those with a family history of very high lipoprotein(a)
- People whose healthcare provider wants to refine cardiovascular risk assessment
- Anyone with unexplained early cardiovascular events
Before your visit
- No fasting is usually required, since lipoprotein(a) is not strongly affected by recent food intake
- A standard blood draw is used to collect the sample
- Tell the lab about medications and any recent illness
- Follow any instructions provided with your order
Understanding your results
An elevated lipoprotein(a) level is considered a genetically influenced risk factor that can add to cardiovascular risk, even when standard cholesterol values look normal. Because Lp(a) is mostly inherited and fairly stable, a single measurement is often informative. However, it is only one part of risk assessment and does not confirm disease. A healthcare provider interprets the Lp(a) result together with your lipid panel, family history, and other risk factors. Discuss the result with a healthcare provider before acting on it.
Order this test online
- Buy online in a few minutes - no doctor's visit needed for most tests.
- Sample collection at a patient service center near you.
- Results are typically ready within 1-3 business days.
- Secure, lab-reviewed results delivered to your account.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from orders placed through it, at no extra cost to you.
Related tests
Basic Heart Health Panel - Lab Tests
This standard 5-test panel screens general health & cardiovascular health.
View testHomocysteine Levels Test - Heart Testing
The homocysteine blood test is used to help determine heart disease, heart attack or stroke risks.
View testLipoprotein Analysis (NMR) Test
Order Lipoprotein Analysis (NMR) Test.com online through our partner and visit a local lab near you.
View testOnline Heart Health Test - Standard Heart Panel
This comprehensive 6-test panel screens general & cardiovascular health.
View testFind this test in your state
Questions people ask
What is lipoprotein(a) and why is it tested?
Lipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is largely genetic. It is tested because an elevated lipoprotein(a) level is a recognized risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke.
Does lipoprotein(a) change much over time?
Lp(a) is predominantly determined by genetics and tends to remain fairly stable over a lifetime, so it usually does not need to be repeated often compared with other lipid tests.
Do I need to fast for an Lp(a) test?
No. Fasting is usually not required for a lipoprotein(a) test because the level is not strongly affected by recent food intake.
What does a high lipoprotein(a) level mean?
A high Lp(a) level may indicate increased cardiovascular risk, but it is not a diagnosis on its own. A healthcare provider interprets it with your other risk factors and history.
What does the Lp(a) Test - Coronary Heart Disease Test measure?
This blood test measures Lipoprotein (a) levels; high Lp(a) levels can be a strong risk factor in heart disease or ischemic stroke.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Follow the lab's instructions.
How long do results take?
Most Lp(a) Test - Coronary Heart Disease Test results are released in 1-3 business days. Specialty testing can take longer.
Is this test right for me?
This page is educational and not medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare provider about which tests fit your situation.
LabBookings is an independent directory. We compare test details and pricing information, but we are not a laboratory and we do not perform testing or provide medical advice. Always talk to a licensed healthcare provider about your results and treatment.
Laboratory services are provided by independent, CLIA-certified testing partners. Availability, pricing, and turnaround times can vary by location and are confirmed at checkout.