Cardiac profile Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: Cardiac profile
Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a lipoprotein particle similar to LDL but with an added protein called apolipoprotein(a). The Lp(a) test measures the concentration of these particles in blood. Elevated Lp(a) is an independent inherited risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke) and calcific aortic valve disease. Testing is considered when there is premature or unexplained cardiovascular disease, strong family history of early heart disease, or high LDL cholesterol not responsive to usual therapy. Levels are largely genetically determined and relatively stable in adulthood, but vary by ethnicity (higher on average in people of African ancestry), modestly with age, and can be affected by kidney disease, hormones and inflammation.
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Symptom Checker0-30 mg/dL OR 0-75 nmol/L
Q: What happens when lipoprotein A is high?
A: High lipoprotein(a) levels raise risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and calcific aortic valve disease by promoting LDL-like cholesterol deposition and thrombosis. Lp(a) is largely genetic and is only modestly changed by lifestyle; statins don’t reliably lower it. Specialized treatments (PCSK9 inhibitors, lipoprotein apheresis, emerging therapies) or testing are considered with strong personal or family risk.
Q: How to reduce lipoprotein a lp a?
A: Lp(a) is mainly genetic, so lifestyle changes have limited direct effect. Reduce cardiovascular risk by controlling LDL with statins and PCSK9 inhibitors (which also lower Lp(a) modestly), treating hypertension and diabetes, quitting smoking, eating a heart‑healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining weight. For very high Lp(a) with progressive disease, lipoprotein apheresis or emerging antisense therapies may be considered with specialist input.
Q: What is the meaning of lipoprotein A LPA?
A: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an LDL-like particle with apolipoprotein(a) attached to apoB-100. Levels are mostly genetically determined and reported in nmol/L or mg/dL. High Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke. It’s minimally affected by lifestyle; targeted therapies (e.g., PCSK9 inhibitors, apheresis, emerging antisense drugs) can lower it.
Q: Are lipoprotein A and LP A the same?
A: Yes. Lipoprotein(a), commonly abbreviated Lp(a) or written as LP A, refers to the same particle: an LDL-like lipoprotein bound to apolipoprotein(a). Elevated Lp(a) is a largely genetic, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Routine diet or standard statins have limited effect on Lp(a); targeted testing and specialist-guided management are often recommended if levels are high.
Q: Can I live long with high lipoprotein A?
A: Yes—you can live long with high lipoprotein(a), but it increases lifetime risk of heart attack, stroke and aortic stenosis. Lp(a) is largely genetic and poorly lowered by lifestyle, so emphasize aggressive risk control: manage LDL, blood pressure and diabetes; stop smoking, exercise and eat well. Certain drugs (PCSK9 inhibitors, emerging antisense therapies) can lower Lp(a). Discuss personalized risk and treatment with your doctor.
Q: What not to eat with high lipoprotein A?
A: With high lipoprotein(a), avoid foods that raise cardiovascular risk: limit saturated- and trans-fat–rich items such as fatty red meat, full-fat dairy, butter, processed and fried foods, fast food, commercial baked goods and margarine. Reduce sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates and excessive alcohol. Focus on minimizing ultra-processed foods and excess salt; overall heart-healthy diet and risk-factor control matter because Lp(a) is less diet-responsive.