05/07/2026
I know cardiovascular and cholesterol posts aren’t usually my typical content, but this update felt important enough to share.
Heart health has always been something I pay close attention to, especially after my dad’s open-heart surgery back in 2008, and even more so now with some other cardiac concerns too.
The new 2026 ACC/AHA lipid guidelines now recommend that ALL adults have an Lp(a) level checked at least once in their lifetime.
Lp(a), or Lipoprotein(a), is a genetic cardiovascular risk marker that is NOT included on your standard cholesterol panel.
Why does this matter? Because many people can have a “normal” cholesterol panel and still carry an increased cardiovascular risk that has never been identified.
A few important things to know:
• About 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a) and most have no idea
• Elevated Lp(a) can increase cardiovascular risk even when LDL cholesterol looks “normal”
• It is largely genetic, so diet and exercise usually do not significantly lower it
• Levels stay fairly stable throughout life, so it generally only needs to be checked once
• You do NOT have to be fasting for this test
Right now, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for lowering Lp(a), but knowing your number still matters because it can change how aggressively other cardiovascular risk factors should be managed…especially things like LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and metabolic health.
Another marker mentioned more in newer guidelines is ApoB, especially in patients with insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or elevated triglycerides.
ApoB helps measure the number of potentially harmful cholesterol particles in the bloodstream and can sometimes provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone.
Bottom line:
A standard cholesterol panel does not always tell the whole story.
These are not “trendy wellness labs.” They are evidence-based markers that are becoming more recognized in conventional cardiology and preventative medicine as we continue learning more about cardiovascular disease risk.
Definitely worth discussing with your healthcare provider at your next visit. 👏🏻