Lp(a) Discovery Project

cholesterol and DNA strand pic for lipoprotein a
Lipoprotein (a), also known as Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that is genetically inherited and is a common independent risk factor for heart disease. Having elevated Lp(a) can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease1. The 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline recommends that every adult have Lp(a) measured at least once in a lifetime2.
 
The American Heart Association® (Association) is leading an initiative to better understand system level practice patterns for patients tested for elevated Lp(a) and to develop national models for Lp(a) testing.
 
Our objectives as an initiative are to:
  • Improve number of patients identified and screened for Lp(a)
  • Improve processes and practice patterns
  • Improve clinical pathways and processes to impact patient outcomes
  • Improve data resources and innovate Lp(a)-focused discovery through a national Data Challenge
 
As an enhancement to this work, the Association launched the Lp(a) CHC Discovery Project which seeks to identify various approaches and barriers to testing for Lp(a) within community health centers.
 
The resources in this toolkit were developed by the American Heart Association, in collaboration with volunteer medical professionals nationwide and participating hospitals. In light of recent updates to clinical guidelines related to Lp(a) testing, these materials are currently being revised to reflect the latest recommendations. The information provided is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or clinical directive from the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.

 

 

Resources

  • 2026 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia(link opens in new window)

  • 1Scientific statement

  • 2Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, Gaudino M, Johnson HM, Anderson TS, Bittner VA, Blankstein R, Brewer LC, Cho L, de Ferranti SD, Gianos E, Gluckman TJ, Gradney KF, Isiadinso I, Lloyd-Jones DM, Marrs JC, Martin SS, McLain KH, Mehta LS, Mora S, Mulugeta WM, Natarajan P, Navar AM, Orringer CE, Polonsky TS, Reynolds HR, Saseen JJ, Shapiro MD, Soffer DE, Tynes DE, Villavaso CD, Virani SS, Wilkins JT. 2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of dyslipidemia: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. Published online March 13, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001423

 

Discover Lp(a): A Clinician’s Playbook for Lipoprotein(a)

Your game plan for identifying hidden cardiovascular risk.

The Lp(a) Clinician’s Playbook equips healthcare professionals with practical tools, expert insights and patient-centered strategies to advance cardiovascular care. Explore the latest evidence on Lipoprotein(a)—a powerful genetic risk factor for heart disease and stroke—and learn how to integrate testing and management into everyday practice. From educational modules and webinars to real-world clinician conversations and patient resources, this playbook helps you turn knowledge into action and make every patient encounter count.

Learn. Test. Act. Together, we can change the game in heart health.
Download Your Winning Play
Images of the Clinicians' Playbook

Understanding Lp(a): A key to comprehensive risk assessment

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol particle in the blood that can greatly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Unlike other risk factors, Lp(a) is inherited and not typically affected by lifestyle. This video explains what Lp(a) is, why it matters, and what steps you can take to learn your levels and protect your heart health.

Clinicians' Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Lipoprotein(a) Testing
Elevated levels of Lp(a) have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, stroke, and aortic stenosis.
Clinicians' Guide (PDF)

Webinars

Model Shares

  • Advancing Lp(a) Testing to Improve Quality of Cardiovascular Care

    Jan 11, 2026

Patient Resources

Many people don’t have symptoms. You could have a high Lp(a) even if you have a healthy lifestyle and all other heart disease risk factors are controlled. 
Patient Resources Website
patient health care professional picture

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Lp(a) Discovery Project.
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Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project.
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