I Have High Lp(a)

Your Lp(a) is high. What does that actually mean-and what should you do next?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is an inherited cholesterol-related particle that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and calcific aortic valve disease. Unlike LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) is largely determined by your genes-and many people discover it only after requesting a test that is not part of the standard cholesterol panel.

A high result can leave you with more questions than answers.

I Have High Lp(a): Now What Do I Do? turns that laboratory result into a practical plan.

Written by a US board-certified cardiologist, this evidence-based patient guide explains:

• What your Lp(a) number actually means
• Why Lp(a) runs in families-and who should be tested
• How Lp(a) changes cardiovascular risk
• Why LDL cholesterol matters even more when Lp(a) is elevated
• When additional tests such as coronary calcium scoring may-or may not-help
• What statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9-directed therapies, bempedoic acid, and other treatments can and cannot do
• Why aspirin is not automatically recommended simply because Lp(a) is high
• What lifestyle changes can still accomplish even though lifestyle usually does not substantially lower Lp(a) itself
• What elevated Lp(a) means for women, children, athletes, and older adults
• What to know about lipoprotein apheresis
• The emerging Lp(a)-lowering drugs now being studied in cardiovascular outcome trials
• How to prepare for your next appointment and discuss a personalized prevention plan with your clinician

High Lp(a) is a risk factor-not a diagnosis and not a prediction of your future.

You may not be able to choose the Lp(a) level you inherited. But there is a great deal you and your healthcare team can do about the cardiovascular risk surrounding it.

This book will help you understand the number, separate established evidence from hype, protect your family through appropriate testing, and focus on the actions that matter now.

Know your number. Understand your risk. Make a plan.