Test Summary
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
Lipoprotein (a)
?
- Clarifies inherited heart risk beyond a standard cholesterol panel.
- Useful with family history of early heart disease or stroke.
- Helps explain risk when LDL cholesterol looks fine.
- Usually a once-in-a-lifetime measurement.
What is
Lipoprotein (a)
?
- Clarifies inherited heart risk beyond a standard cholesterol panel.
- Useful with family history of early heart disease or stroke.
- Helps explain risk when LDL cholesterol looks fine.
- Usually a once-in-a-lifetime measurement.
What insights will i get from
Lipoprotein (a)
?
- High: Signals higher lifetime risk of heart attack or stroke.
- High: May also relate to aortic valve narrowing over time.
- Low: Usually not a concern; focus on other risk factors.
- Stable: Lifestyle changes rarely move Lp(a) meaningfully.
- Context: Pair with LDL and ApoB to refine overall risk.
Sample type & collection
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No
- Best timing: Anytime; avoid testing during acute illness
- Collection: Standard venous blood draw
- Typical volume: 1 mL
- Analysis: Immunoassay; methods can vary between labs
- Prep tips: Hydrate; delay if sick or pregnant, if possible
- Turnaround: 2–7 business days
Lipoprotein (a)
is best interpreted with:
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Lipoprotein (a)
with Aniva
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Limits & interferences with
Lipoprotein (a)
:
- Recent illness or inflammation can shift levels temporarily.
- Pregnancy can raise Lp(a); estrogen therapy may lower it.
- Method differences between labs can change results; use the same lab.
- No fasting effect; meals do not meaningfully change levels.
- Special situations: Recheck after pregnancy, acute illness, or major hormone changes.
Questions about
Lipoprotein (a)
:
- Do I need to fast? No. Fasting does not meaningfully affect Lp(a).
- How often should I test Lp(a)? Usually once. Repeat after pregnancy, acute illness, or major lab method changes.
- Can lifestyle lower Lp(a)? Lifestyle rarely lowers Lp(a), but it still protects your heart.
- What units are used? Labs report mg/dL or nmol/L. Trends and context matter most.
Sources:
- ACC/AHA — 2019 Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. (2019). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
- ACC — 2022 Expert Consensus on Nonstatin Therapies for LDL-C Lowering. (2022). https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/08/25/13/13/2022-ACC-ECDP-on-Nonstatin
- European Atherosclerosis Society — Lipoprotein(a) consensus statement. (2022). https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/39/3925/6670885
- MedlinePlus — Lipoprotein(a) blood test. (2023). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lipoproteina-lpa-test/
- ARUP Consult — Lipoprotein(a). (2024). https://arupconsult.com/content/lipoprotein-a
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
