The $30 Blood Test Every Canadian Should Have Once (And Probably Hasn’t)
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One of MY goals as your healthcare practitioner is not just to think about your current concerns, but also to think about your risks in the future!
One test that helps us to understand that is Lipoprotein (a). Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a bloodtest (that I can now order for around $30!) that every Canadian is supposed to have done once in their lives. It gives insight on your genetic risk of cardiovascular disease/stroke/narrowing of aortic valve. If the Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) is positive, we know that your cholesterol is more sticky/inflammatory. As such, it’s more likely to build up and cause damage in your arteries, increasing your risk of disease.
This is not a marker you can change. It’s not caused or treated by lifestyle habits. It’s genetically driven. But there’s lots we can do to decrease the risk from it!
If it’s positive (meaning that you have that risk) - we look at your cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors more closely. We have lower tolerance for where they can be and are more proactive in our treatment/prevention plan. We’ll use lifestyle components (and maybe medication!) to decrease your risk. This won’t change the Lp(a) but hopefully changes the outcomes from elevated Lp(a).
Lp(a) is not part of a regular cholesterol panel, so even if you’ve been told ‘your cholesterol is good’, that doesn’t mean it has been tested. It’s a newer guideline (2021) and as such, not every healthcare provider is familiar with it or is ordering it. But it matters as 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a).
If you have elevated Lp(a) or you know a close family member does - you should encourage everyone in your family to get it tested as it is genetically driven.
I’ve been talking about this test for years, and advocating for patients to get it done, but I was not able to order it myself until just recently. And now I can!
If we have had this conversation before, or if you’ve never had it tested, please reach out if you want me to order it for you! Naturopathic bloodwork is not OHIP covered but is often covered by health insurance plans.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, naturopathic doctor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
Hi, I’m Dr. Janine, ND
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor currently practicing in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I truly believe that our enjoyment of life is closely tied to how we feel physically. When we’re healthy, we can take on anything. But when we feel off, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. I’ve been through hormonal shifts, sleepless nights as a parent, and the stress of balancing everything. But I also know that with the right strategy, we can go from surviving to thriving—and create a healthy, thriving family in the process.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
- Dr. Janine, ND
Follow me on social media, @dr.janine.nd