Resources

Many patients receive a standardized lipid panel as part of a yearly physical that includes testing of their “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) and “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). However, most people are unfamiliar with another type of cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). This type of lipoprotein is not included in the standard lipid panel but is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the following Q&A, Yale clinicians and researchers share background about Lp(a), guidance for caring for patients with elevated levels, and new approaches to improve testing.