I'm participating in the Boston Heart Walk to support the important work of the American Heart Association.

On a personal level, one of the things I care most about is raising awareness of Lp(a) testing. Lp(a), or lipoprotein(a), is an inherited risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is similar to LDL cholesterol, but high levels can significantly increase a person's risk of heart attack and stroke.

What surprises many people is just how common it is. It's estimated that about 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a), and most have no idea because it usually causes no symptoms.

I've met people who, like me, didn't know they had elevated Lp(a) until after developing cardiovascular disease — and in some cases, after having a heart attack. That's one of the reasons I feel strongly about helping more people become aware of it.

The good news is that finding out your Lp(a) level is simple. Current American Heart Association guidelines recommend that every adult have an Lp(a) blood test at least once in their lifetime. Because Lp(a) levels are largely inherited and remain relatively stable, for most people it only needs to be checked once.

So, friend to friend, I encourage you to ask your doctor about an Lp(a) test at your next physical. It's a simple blood test, and knowing your number may identify an important heart disease risk factor you didn't know you had.

If sharing my experience encourages even a few people to get tested, I'll consider that a success.

Stay well,
Rich