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Lipoprotein(a)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Lipoprotein(a) measures a specific type of cholesterol particle in the blood, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Quick summary

Lipoprotein(a) is a blood test that helps assess cardiovascular risk.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
mg/dL
Clinical utility
screening
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche Lp(a), Denka Seiken Lp(a)
interpretation: {"text":"Lp(a) levels below 30 mg/dL are generally considered to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.","label":"Low Risk"}; {"text":"Lp(a) levels above 30 mg/dL may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly if other risk factors are present.","label":"High Risk"}

Lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that consists of an LDL particle with an additional protein, apolipoprotein(a), attached to it. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

The screening utility of Lp(a) is particularly important for individuals with a family history of early cardiovascular disease or those who have other risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes.

While lifestyle changes and medications can help manage other cardiovascular risk factors, there are currently no specific treatments to lower Lp(a) levels. However, knowing one's Lp(a) level can inform overall cardiovascular risk assessment and management.

Frequently asked questions

How is Lp(a) different from other cholesterol tests?
Lp(a) is a specific type of lipoprotein that includes an additional protein, apolipoprotein(a), which is not measured in standard cholesterol tests.
Can Lp(a) levels be lowered?
Currently, there are no specific medications to lower Lp(a) levels, but lifestyle changes and medications to manage other risk factors can help reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
  1. 1
    National Institutes of Health: Lipoprotein(a)Source
  2. 2
    American Heart Association: Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular DiseaseSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic: Lipoprotein(a) TestSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy