Nearly a third of the world’s population has elevated levels of this type of cholesterol

The average patient’s understanding of cholesterol likely doesn’t go much further than the idea of “good” (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and “bad” (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) cholesterol. If your doctor has tested your cholesterol in the past, you might know a bit more about your HDL and LDL levels. Most people don’t know there’s yet another lipoprotein worth testing for: lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) (pronounced “L-P-little-a”).

An estimated 20 to 30 percent of people worldwide have high levels of Lp(a), which is linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other types of heart disease such as aortic stenosis. Unlike other types of cholesterol, Lp(a) can’t be controlled by diet or exercise. In fact, as much as 90 percent of Lp(a) plasma concentration is determined by genetics, and Lp(a) levels are established in early childhood and remain consistent throughout your lifetime. Sex, ethnicity, and other health conditions can also impact Lp(a) levels.

Like other lipoproteins, Lp(a) is made of both proteins and fats, and carries cholesterol through the arteries. Since Lp(a) is stickier and more prone to clotting than other types of LDL particles, high Lp(a) levels can lead to blockages, plaque build-up, and inflammation in the arteries – all of which contribute to higher levels of heart attack and stroke.

Of course, Lp(a) is just one of many risk factors for heart disease, along with high blood pressure, smoking, an unhealthy diet, and low physical activity. Having a baseline understanding of your cholesterol levels – including Lp(a) can help you and your healthcare provider have a more informed conversation about your risk of heart disease.

There’s even an easy way to test your Lp(a) levels using the at-home healthcare solutions from LetsGetChecked. The company offers cholesterol and diabetes testing that now measures Lp(a) in a home sample collection kit. Simply order your kit, collect your sample, and ship it back with the prepaid shipping label. After two to five days, your results will be ready in a secure online account. Take them to your primary care provider, or even start a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider through LetsGetChecked.

If your test reveals that you have high levels of Lp(a), speak to your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. Although diet and exercise don’t impact Lp(a) levels directly, a healthy lifestyle and managing conditions such as high blood pressure can help reduce your overall risk of heart disease. Your doctor might also recommend lipoprotein apheresis – the only FDA-approved therapy for high Lp(a) levels – or medication to help lower reduce your LDL cholesterol. Whatever treatment plan you decide to follow, testing for Lp(a) is the first step in making an informed decision.