Lipoprotein(a) test: what Lp(a) shows
Also known as: Lp(a)
- Updated
- 2026-09-10
- Every number with its source
What lipoprotein (a) is
Lipoprotein (a) is an LDL-type particle to which an additional protein, called apolipoprotein(a), is attached. Unlike most lipid markers, the amount of Lp(a) is almost entirely determined by heredity — how much of it the body produces depends on the genes, and not on diet, weight or physical activity. Because of this, a person's Lp(a) concentration stays fairly constant throughout life and one test is usually enough. According to MedlinePlus, a high Lp(a) level may mean a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, because these particles may contribute to the build-up of fat in the walls of the blood vessels. The test is usually ordered when cardiovascular risk is to be better assessed, especially when the usual lipid markers (total cholesterol, LDL) do not reflect the whole of the risk, when there is early heart disease in the family, or when inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia is suspected.
When Lp(a) is tested
- When there have been early heart attacks or strokes in the family (especially in close relatives at a young age)
- When LDL cholesterol stays high despite treatment
- When cardiovascular disease has already been diagnosed while the usual lipid markers are normal
- When inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia is suspected
- In the general assessment of cardiovascular disease risk together with other lipid markers
How to prepare
- Preparation depends on the laboratory doing the test: usually you must not eat or drink (except water) for 9–12 hours before the blood is taken, and your doctor will let you know about any special instructions to follow
- It is worth telling your doctor about any alcohol, niacin, aspirin or oral oestrogens you use — they can affect the result
Reference range
The MedlinePlus source does not give a specific numeric range with units for this marker — it states only that a high level is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. You will find the exact laboratory interval and its interpretation on your own result sheet, together with your doctor's comment. The Lp(a) test adds to, and does not replace, the usual lipid panel.
A raised Lp(a)
According to MedlinePlus, a high Lp(a) level may mean a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The amount of this marker is mostly determined by the genes, so a raised Lp(a) is usually an inherited characteristic rather than a consequence of lifestyle. It is often assessed together with LDL cholesterol and other cardiac risk markers.
- Inherited genes — how much Lp(a) the body produces is almost entirely determined by the genes inherited from the parents
- Family history — MedlinePlus notes that the test is often ordered when inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia is suspected, but the source does not name this condition as a cause of a raised Lp(a) — it is a separate risk factor, assessed alongside
What to discuss with a doctor:
- Whether there have been early heart attacks or strokes in the family — worth discussing with your doctor
- Other lipid markers (LDL, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B) for the overall risk assessment
- When to repeat the test — usually one result is enough, because the level is genetically stable
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Frequently asked questions
›What is the normal Lp(a) range?
The MedlinePlus source does not give a specific numeric range with units for this marker — it states only that a high level is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. You will find the exact laboratory interval and its interpretation on your own result sheet, together with your doctor's comment.
›Why is Lp(a) different from the usual LDL cholesterol test?
Lp(a) is a separate particle with an additional protein, apo(a), and the amount of it is almost entirely determined by the genes rather than by diet or lifestyle — unlike LDL cholesterol, which can be changed through lifestyle changes. For that reason the Lp(a) test adds to, and does not replace, the usual lipid panel.
›Does Lp(a) need to be tested again?
According to MedlinePlus, the Lp(a) level in the body stays fairly constant throughout life, because it is determined by the genes. For that reason one test is usually enough, unless your doctor says otherwise because of a particular clinical situation.
›When does a doctor order an Lp(a) test?
The test is often ordered when there have been early heart attacks or strokes in the family, when LDL cholesterol stays high despite treatment, when heart disease is already present while the other lipid markers are normal, or when inherited familial hypercholesterolaemia is suspected.
›How should I prepare for an Lp(a) blood test?
According to MedlinePlus, preparation depends on the laboratory doing the test: usually you must not eat or drink (except water) for 9–12 hours before the blood is taken, and your doctor will let you know about any special instructions to follow. It is worth telling your doctor about any alcohol, niacin, aspirin or oral oestrogens you use, because they can affect the result.
›Can a raised Lp(a) be lowered by diet or exercise?
According to MedlinePlus, the amount of Lp(a) in the body is mostly determined by the genes, so lifestyle changes usually do not change it significantly. However, MedlinePlus stresses that with a high Lp(a) it is very important to take steps to improve your heart health: this helps lower your overall risk of heart and blood vessel disease, even though it may not change the Lp(a) level itself. Discuss the overall management of cardiovascular risk with your doctor if this marker is raised.
Sources
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.