Cardiovascular Disease - Bloody Good
Cholesterol & Blood Pressure

Lipoprotein(a)

The Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test measures a type of cholesterol particle that is mostly determined by your genes. High Lp(a) levels may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, even when standard cholesterol results look normal.

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Lipoprotein(a)

Wondering if you have hidden cardiovascular risk factors that run in your family, or want comprehensive heart disease risk assessment beyond standard cholesterol testing?

Overview

Think of Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), as your heart's genetic wildcard - a special type of cholesterol particle that acts like a double agent working against your cardiovascular system. Unlike the cholesterol levels that respond to your diet and exercise habits, Lp(a) is written into your DNA, making it your body's inherited cardiovascular signature that stays remarkably consistent throughout your life. What makes this molecular troublemaker particularly sneaky is how it operates on two fronts: it builds up artery-clogging plaque like its cousin LDL cholesterol, but it also carries a protein hitchhiker that interferes with your body's natural ability to dissolve blood clots when needed.

Here's why this test matters: elevated Lp(a) levels can double or triple your risk of heart attack and stroke, even when your regular cholesterol panel looks perfectly normal, and it affects about one in five people who have no idea they're carrying this hidden risk factor. Since Lp(a) doesn't budge much with typical cholesterol medications or lifestyle changes, discovering your levels early gives you and your healthcare provider crucial information to create a more personalized prevention plan. Think of it as uncovering a secret about your heart health that standard cholesterol tests simply can't reveal - knowledge that could be the key to staying ahead of cardiovascular problems before they start.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Chest pain or tightness Heart palpitations or racing heart Family history of heart attack before age 50 Family history of stroke Cardiovascular risk assessment

Purpose

Essential for people with family history of early heart disease, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. Important for individuals with normal cholesterol but cardiovascular disease, unexplained heart attacks at young age, or strong family history of heart problems. Valuable for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment, especially in those with multiple risk factors or considering aggressive prevention strategies.

How to prepare

No fasting required - Lp(a) levels are not affected by recent food intake. Can be taken at any time of day. No special preparation needed. Lp(a) levels are stable and not significantly affected by diet, exercise, or most medications, so timing is not critical. Continue usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise.

Understanding results

Normal/Low risk: <75 nmol/L (<30 mg/dL); Borderline: 75-125 nmol/L (30-50 mg/dL); High risk: >125 nmol/L (>50 mg/dL); Very high risk: >200 nmol/L (>80 mg/dL). However, risk increases continuously with higher levels. Some guidelines suggest risk threshold as low as 50 nmol/L (20 mg/dL). Elevated levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk that cannot be modified by lifestyle alone.

After the test

Discuss elevated results with your healthcare provider for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment and management planning. High Lp(a) may warrant more aggressive management of other risk factors (blood pressure, LDL cholesterol), consideration of specific medications (PCSK9 inhibitors, niacin), and enhanced monitoring. Family screening may be recommended as Lp(a) levels are largely inherited. Lifestyle optimization remains important for overall cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unlike other cholesterol particles, Lp(a) levels are largely genetic and don't respond significantly to diet, exercise, or standard cholesterol medications. However, certain treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors can provide modest reductions.
  • High Lp(a) increases risk but doesn't guarantee heart disease. Many people with elevated Lp(a) never develop cardiovascular problems, especially with optimal management of other risk factors.
  • Yes, since Lp(a) levels are largely inherited, family members (especially parents, siblings, children) should consider testing if you have elevated levels.
  • Lp(a) contains an additional protein component that makes it more atherogenic and thrombotic than regular LDL cholesterol, and it doesn't respond to traditional cholesterol treatments.
  • Current guidelines suggest testing for people with family history of early heart disease, unexplained cardiovascular events, or multiple risk factors. Some experts advocate for universal screening.
  • Since Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and remain stable throughout life, a single test is usually sufficient unless used to monitor specific treatments.
Lipoprotein(a)

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

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3
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View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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