When we think about cholesterol, we usually hear about LDL (“bad”) and HDL(“good”) cholesterol. But there’s another lesser-known type called Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) that can silently increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes — even if you’re leading a healthy lifestyle.
At Sreshta Hospitals, Guntur, we are committed to raising awareness about heart health and helping people catch hidden risks like Lp(a) before they cause serious damage. Through regular screening and expert cardiology care, we aim to prevent life-altering cardiovascular events before they strike.
What Is Lipoprotein(a)?
Lipoprotein(a) is a type of cholesterol particle that circulates in your blood. Unlike LDL and HDL, it is genetically inherited and not influenced by your diet or exercise.
Our expert cardiologist at Sreshta Hospitals, explains:
Dr. Nagarjuna Gottipati: “Lipoprotein(a) doesn’t show up in standard cholesterol tests. That’s why we call it the silent risk factor. You may feel fit and normal, but elevated Lp(a) could still put you at high risk of heart attack or stroke.”
Dr. Hemasundhar Korrepati: “The dangerous part is, people with high Lp(a) may have no symptoms until they suffer a major cardiac event. Early detection is key to prevention.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the factors contributing to heart disease, especially among the younger population, check out our blog on Why Are Young People Getting Heart Attacks in Guntur?
Why Is Lp(a) Dangerous?
High levels of Lp(a) can:
- Promote blood clot formation
- Cause plaque buildup in arteries
- Increase inflammation in blood vessels
This combination significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular events, especially if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity.
Many people in Guntur and across India are unaware of this silent threat. According to the World Heart Federation, elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even in people with otherwise normal cholesterol levels
At Sreshta Hospitals, we provide this testing as part of our Advanced Heart Screening Package, available year-round. If you experience any unusual chest pain or discomfort, don’t delay. Visit our 24/7 Emergency Cardiac Care unit for immediate help.
How Do I Know If I Have High Lp(a)?
A simple blood test can detect your Lp(a) levels. Unfortunately, most regular lipid profiles do not include this test, which is why many people never find out they are at risk.
You should consider getting tested if:
- You have a family history of early heart disease or stroke
- You’ve had a heart attack at a young age
- You have high cholesterol that doesn’t respond to treatment
- You want to assess your true heart disease risk
The Mayo Clinic recommends Lp(a) testing for individuals with unexplained heart issues or strong family history.
At Sreshta Hospitals, we provide this testing as part of our Advanced Heart Screening Package, available year-round. If you experience any unusual chest pain or discomfort, don’t delay. Visit our 24/7 Emergency Cardiac Care unit for immediate help
Can You Lower Lipoprotein(a) Levels?
Unlike LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) cannot be lowered through lifestyle changes or statins. However, knowing your levels can still empower your doctor to take preventive steps:
- Personalized treatment plan: including advanced medication if needed
- Aggressive control of other risk factors like blood pressure and diabetes
- Consideration of newer therapies such as PCSK9 inhibitors, Niacin, or upcoming treatments under clinical trials
Your cardiologist might also recommend Coronary Calcium Scoring or Carotid Doppler Ultrasound to assess the real-time impact of elevated Lp(a) on your arteries
Prevention & Management at Sreshta Hospitals
At Sreshta Hospitals, Guntur, our dedicated cardiology team provides:
- Advanced cholesterol screening (including Lp(a) testing)
- Diet and lifestyle counseling by certified professionals
- Medication management tailored to your genetic profile
- Genetic risk assessment for families with a history of cardiovascular disease
We also educate patients about long-term heart health through workshops and public health camps across Guntur.
Want to consult with a specialist? Meet Dr. Nagarjuna Gottipati and Dr. Hemasundar Korrapati, trusted names in heart care.
Book your heart risk screening today
Conclusion:
Lipoprotein(a) may be silent, but its effects can be life-changing. If you or your family has a history of heart problems, it’s time to look beyond basic cholesterol tests.
At Sreshta Hospitals, we’re on a mission to bring cutting-edge heart care to every home in Guntur. Our specialists work closely with patients to ensure prevention, early detection, and personalized treatment plans.
Learn more about our Cardiology Department
