10/08/2026
Is Your Cholesterol Test Missing a Hidden Risk for Heart Disease?
What if your cholesterol numbers look perfectly normal, but you’re still at risk for a heart attack or stroke? For years, doctors have relied on standard cholesterol tests to assess cardiovascular health. These tests measure LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, HDL or “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides. But there’s another important marker that most people have never heard of: lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).
And it’s getting national attention.
In a recent article published by Harvard Health Publishing,medical experts explain why new cholesterol guidelines recommend that all adults undergo Lp(a) testing at least once in their lifetime. The surprising part? You can have healthy cholesterol numbers and still have elevated Lp(a).
What’s the Difference Between LDL and Lp(a)?
LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). Elevated levels are associated with plaque buildup in the arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Mary Van, clinical director of ThriveX Medical in Fort Lauderdale, says patients need to understand the distinction between LDL and Lp(a), which she considers an especially important cardiovascular risk marker.
“Lp(a) is actually more likely to cause atherosclerosis and what we associate with blood clots than LDL is,” she says.
Read the full blog on our the ThriveX site now!
And call us for a consultation!
