What It Measures
This test measures the concentration of Lp(a) particles in your blood. Lp(a) is a modified form of LDL cholesterol with an additional protein (apolipoprotein(a)) attached, which promotes plaque buildup, inflammation, and blood clotting in arterial walls.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lipoprotein particle consisting of an LDL-like particle bound to apolipoprotein(a). It is a genetically determined, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis, with levels largely set by genetics rather than lifestyle.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated Lp(a) significantly increases risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, aortic valve stenosis, and peripheral artery disease. Lp(a) is pro-atherogenic (promotes plaque formation), pro-inflammatory, and pro-thrombotic (promotes clotting). Levels above 50 mg/dL (or 125 nmol/L) are considered high risk. Because Lp(a) is ~90% genetically determined, elevated levels are persistent and not responsive to standard lifestyle interventions.
Possible Symptoms
Elevated Lp(a) is typically asymptomatic until cardiovascular disease manifests. Possible downstream symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, leg pain during walking (claudication), transient ischemic attacks, or acute events like heart attack or stroke. Premature cardiovascular disease in the absence of traditional risk factors may suggest high Lp(a).
What Low Means
Low Lp(a) levels are considered protective and desirable. There are no known adverse health effects from having low or undetectable Lp(a). Low levels simply indicate lower genetically-mediated cardiovascular risk from this particular pathway.
Possible Symptoms
No symptoms associated with low Lp(a). Low levels are clinically favorable.
Risk Factors
Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischemic stroke, aortic valve calcification/stenosis, peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, heart failure. Risk is compounded when combined with elevated LDL-C, familial hypercholesterolemia, or other cardiovascular risk factors.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Niacin (vitamin B3, 1-3g/day can reduce Lp(a) 20-30%)
- •Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- •L-carnitine
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
- •Vitamin C
- •Flaxseed
- •N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Get Lp(a) tested at least once in your lifetime — it's genetically determined and rarely changes
- •If Lp(a) is elevated, aggressively manage all other cardiovascular risk factors (LDL-C, blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking)
- •Discuss PCSK9 inhibitors with your doctor — they can lower Lp(a) by 20-30%
- •Monitor for emerging RNA-targeted therapies (olpasiran, lepodisiran) which reduce Lp(a) by >90% in trials
- •Avoid trans fats which may slightly increase Lp(a)
- •Maintain a heart-healthy diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and omega-3s
- •Regular aerobic exercise supports overall cardiovascular health even if it doesn't directly lower Lp(a)
- •If Lp(a) is very high (>100 mg/dL), consider coronary calcium scoring to assess plaque burden
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 12 nmol/L | 0.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 12 nmol/L | — |