No fasting required.

A lipoprotein (a) test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. Lipoproteins are substances made of protein and fat that carry cholesterol through your bloodstream. There are two main types of cholesterol:

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol.

Lipoprotein (a) is a type of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of lipoprotein (a) may mean you are at risk for heart disease.