Lipoprotein(a)
Also known as:
Lp(a), lipoprotein little a
An inherited cholesterol particle that raises heart attack and stroke risk. Test it once.
Written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD · Last reviewed
VIDEO LESSON
What it measures
Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with an extra protein attached. Levels are mostly set by genes and stay fairly stable through life.
Who should test
Many guidelines now advise measuring Lp(a) at least once in every adult, and especially with premature heart disease in you or your family.
Reading the results
Levels of 50 mg/dL or higher, or 125 nmol/L or higher, are considered risk-enhancing.
Treatment today
Lifestyle changes barely move Lp(a). Management focuses on lowering ApoB and other risk factors more aggressively. Medicines that specifically lower Lp(a) are in late-stage trials.
Key studies and references
Trusted resources
Educational content only, written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD. It does not replace individual medical advice. For sudden chest pain, trouble breathing or stroke symptoms, call 911.
AT A GLANCE
Test type
Lipids & heart
Also known as
Lp(a), lipoprotein little a
Reviewed by
Farhan Tahir, MD
Questions about your own care?
Dr. Tahir’s team offers consults through Youthful Medicine.
Keep exploring
Blood sugar
Hemoglobin A1c
Your average blood sugar over about three months, and the main test for diagnosing and tracking diabetes.
Read the guide →
Blood sugar
Fasting glucose & OGTT
Snapshot and stress tests of blood sugar control. The OGTT catches problems a fasting test can miss.
Read the guide →
Blood sugar
Fasting insulin & HOMA-IR
A research measure of insulin resistance. Useful context, but not a diagnostic test.
Read the guide →