As Americans observe Cholesterol Education Month in September, providers at Gothenburg Health are encouraging community members to learn more about an often-overlooked cardiovascular risk factor known as lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). According to Jordan Haake, APRN, understanding this number can provide valuable insight into a person's risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
While many people are familiar with cholesterol numbers such as HDL, often called 'good' cholesterol, and LDL, known as 'bad' cholesterol, Lp(a) is less commonly discussed. However, recent national cardiovascular guidelines recommend that adults have their Lp(a) level measured at least once during their lifetime because it can reveal risks that are not always identified through a standard cholest…