What is lipoprotein(a) and how is it tested?
Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol that is genetically determined and needs to be measured on a blood test only once in a lifetime.
A raised level is independently linked with an increased risk of heart attacks and other vascular diseases such as stroke, sometimes even at a young age.
How does it change what I do about my health and lifestyle?
Currently it isn’t possible to reduce one’s Lp(a) level via medication or lifestyle modification, unlike other types of cholesterol markers such as LDL cholesterol.
Though this may sound disheartening, knowing you have an elevated Lp(a) level means we can focus even more on optimising other cardiovascular risk factors that we can control – such as raised blood pressure, raised levels of other cholesterol markers, being overweight or diabetic, excess alcohol and being inactive – and really ‘go for it’ with getting the rest of your cardiovascular health on track. It therefore enables a more personalised approach to your health.
When should I measure it and why at a young age?
The article featured below strongly recommends that a one-time Lp(a) measurement should be conducted as early as childhood/adolescence and that everyone should know their Lp(a) level. This certainly seems a sensible suggestion.
How common is it to have a raised lipoprotein(a) level?
Having a raised Lp(a) level is actually more common than initially thought – according to a Danish study, approximately 20%-24% of Caucasians have critically elevated Lp(a) levels.
The good news!
There are drug trials happening right now to try to reduce Lp(a) level with two promising therapeutic strategies in development. The initial results are expected in 2026-2027 so watch this space!
Featured article Why Primary Care Physicians Can’t Ignore Lp(a) Any Longer
Referenced Danish study Extreme Lipoprotein(a) Levels and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in the General Population | Circulation
