Lipoprotein A
LPA
Description
"Lipoprotein A" test measures the amount of lipoprotein A in your blood, a cholesterol type closely linked to heart and vascular risk. It helps doctors evaluate whether inherited factors may increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or plaque buildup. Unlike other lipids, lipoprotein A levels are mostly genetic and not significantly affected by diet. Results guide personalized care plans that may include medications, further testing, or preventive strategies. Monitoring levels supports early intervention and long-term heart health management.
Category
Lipids, Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Basic Cardiovascular Group, Complete Cardiovascular Group, Lipoprotein Group, Cardio Risk Group
Test Group Description
Basic Cardiovascular Group: This group includes fundamental tests targeting essential markers related to cardiovascular health, providing foundational insights into cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other key factors. Cardio Risk Group: This group focuses on assessing various markers associated with cardiovascular health and risk factors, aiding in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Lipoprotein Group: This small group evaluates lipoprotein levels and related parameters, offering insights into lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <30.00 nmol/L
SI Unit: <30.00 nmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <75.00 nmol/L
SI Unit: <75.00 nmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Cerebral artery stenosis (Narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the brain)
Coronary artery disease (Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries)
Type 2 diabetes (Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation)
Estrogen depletion (Reduction in estrogen hormone levels)
Familial hypercholesterolemia (Genetic disorder causing high levels of cholesterol)
Hypothyroidism (Thyroid gland underactivity)
Decreased levels may indicate:
Alcoholism
Chronic hepatocellular disease (Long-term liver cell damage or dysfunction)
Malnutrition
Key Reasons For Testing
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Identifies elevated Lp(a) as an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Evaluation of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Detects genetic cholesterol disorders.
Management of Atherosclerosis: Tracks disease progression linked to high Lp(a).
Assessment of High LDL Cholesterol: Adds insight into risk for those with elevated LDL.
Family History of Cardiovascular Disease: Guides prevention for at-risk individuals.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Boffa MB, Koschinsky ML. Lipoprotein (a): truly a direct prothrombotic factor in cardiovascular disease? J Lipid Res. 2016;57(5):745-757.
[2] Nordestgaard BG, Chapman MJ, Ray K, et al. Lipoprotein (a) as a cardiovascular risk factor: current status. Eur Heart J. 2010;31(23):2844-2853.
[3] Berglund L, Ramakrishnan R. Lipoprotein (a): an elusive cardiovascular risk factor. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2004;24(12):2219-2226.
[4] Kamstrup PR, Tybjærg-Hansen A, Nordestgaard BG. Genetic evidence that lipoprotein (a) associates with atherosclerotic stenosis rather than venous thrombosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012;32(7):1732-1741.
[5] Clarke R, Peden JF, Hopewell JC, et al. Genetic variants associated with Lp(a) lipoprotein level and coronary disease. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(26):2518-2528.
[6] Tsimikas S, Karwatowska-Prokopczuk E, Gouni-Berthold I, et al. Lipoprotein (a) reduction in persons with cardiovascular disease. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(3):244-255.
[7] Kronenberg F, Utermann G. Lipoprotein (a): resurrected by genetics. J Intern Med. 2013;273(1):6-30.
[8] Varvel SA, McConnell JP, Tsimikas S. Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. J Clin Lipidol. 2016;10(5):1236-1244.
[9] Tsimikas S. A test in context: lipoprotein (a): diagnosis, prognosis, controversies, and emerging therapies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;69(6):692-711.
[10] Albers JJ, Slee A, O'Brien KD, Robinson JG. Relationship of apolipoproteins A-1 and B, and Lp(a) to cardiovascular outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2000;341(7):1026-1031.
[11] Enkhmaa B, Anuurad E, Berglund L. Lipoprotein (a): impact by ethnicity and environmental and medical conditions. J Lipid Res. 2016;57(7):1111-1125.
[12] Lamon-Fava S, Marcovina SM, Albers JJ, et al. Lipoprotein (a) levels, apolipoprotein (a) size, and coronary atherosclerosis. JAMA. 1994;271(13):997-1001.
[13] Arsenault BJ, Boekholdt SM, Dubé MP, et al. Lipoprotein (a) levels, genotype, and incident cardiovascular disease risk. Circulation. 2014;129(15):1550-1559.
[14] Thanassoulis G, Campbell CY, Owens DS, et al. Genetic associations with valvular calcification and aortic stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(6):503-512.