It's called the Lp(a) cholesterol test. Leslie Cho, MD explains what the changed recommendation means.
You’re familiar with LDL vs. HDL and maybe even your A1C—but in March 2026, the Cleveland Clinic announced, “It’s now recommended that everyone get their Lp(a) checked.”
Dr. Leslie Cho, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says, “Lp(a) is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease.” (That’s causal, not casual—meaning, as Dr. Cho says, this risk factor can add to the risk of heart disease.)
Dr. Cho adds that “for the first time ever in the U.S. guidelines, they’re saying that it should be checked at least one time in your entire life span.”
The American Heart Association helps elaborate: “Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein in your blood. Your level is mostly inherited, and when it is high, it can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Knowing your Lp(a) level can help you take steps that support your health and the health of the ones you love.”
The Cleveland Clinic says only 0.1% of the U.S. population was being tested previously—and even cholesterol monitoring usually doesn’t start until middle age. “People weren’t getting their cholesterol checked until they hit menopause,” Dr. Cho says, “or people weren’t getting their cholesterol checked until something happened to them, or in their 50s.”
Adds Dr. Cho: “By that time, a lot of people had disease. That’s not the goal. The goal is for you not to have disease. The goal is for you not to need a stent, not to need a bypass, not to have a heart attack, not to have stroke.”
The American Heart Association names “125 nmol/L or higher” as a high level, which about 20% of the global population has. There are said to be no symptoms associated with a high level. “The only way to know your Lp(a) level is through a simple blood test ordered by your health care professional,” the AHA states.
Another noteworthy piece: The Cleveland Clinic adds the changed recommendations will also affect pediatric care. “Updated guidelines also recommend children between the ages 9 and 11 get tested for cholesterol due to genetic risk factors, and then again when they turn 19.”
Dr. Cho suggests a healthy diet and regular exercise are two important methods for managing heart health, while in some cases, medication may also be necessary. Have regular conversations with your doctor about your cardiovascular health, and don’t skip out on annual physicals.
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