Millions Could Be at Hidden Risk of Heart Disease – The Test Most Londoners Have Never Heard Of
Millions of people could be living with a hidden genetic risk for heart disease—and many may have no idea. The culprit? A little-known cholesterol particle called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), which isn’t included in standard cholesterol tests.
Health experts are now urging adults to ask their doctors about the Lipoprotein(a) Test, a simple blood test that can reveal inherited risk factors linked to heart attacks and strokes.
Dr Lucy Hooper, a clinician at Coyne Medical in London, discovered her own elevated Lp(a) levels during a routine workplace health check.
“Finding out that I had elevated Lp(a) was a real wake-up call. It’s largely genetic and usually isn’t picked up during routine checks,” says Dr Hooper.
“The scary thing is that so many people could be walking around with this risk and have no idea.”
Dr Lucy Hooper
Unlike standard cholesterol, Lp(a) is mostly inherited and remains stable throughout life, so most adults only need to be tested once. Coyne Medical introduced routine Lp(a) screening for workplace health check patients in 2022, giving people the chance to understand their heart health more fully.
A Growing Number of GPs Are Encouraging Testing
Across the UK, more general practitioners are now recommending the Lp(a) test for patients with a family history of heart disease, early heart attacks, or strokes. The British Heart Foundation and other medical bodies are raising awareness of Lp(a) as an important, often overlooked risk factor, highlighting that early detection can save lives.
Experts estimate that around 20% of the global population may have elevated Lp(a), putting millions at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes without even knowing it.
Dr Hooper hopes her own experience will encourage Londoners to be proactive:
“Heart disease often feels like something that happens to other people. But discovering my Lp(a) level made me realise how important it is to understand your personal risk. Greater awareness could help people take action early—through monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medical advice—to protect their hearts.”The timing is significant. Lipoprotein(a) Awareness Day on March 24, 2026, aims to raise public awareness of this hidden risk and encourage testing nationwide.
Understanding Lp(a) could be the key to spotting cardiovascular danger long before symptoms appear, giving patients and GPs a chance to act early and reduce risk.
