Lp(a) — Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
Lipoprotein(a) is a mostly inherited cholesterol-carrying particle that a regular lipid panel does not measure. How to read your result against the AHA/ACC thresholds.
Lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a) — is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose blood level is mostly inherited, and a high level can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and aortic stenosis even when other cholesterol levels are healthy. A regular lipid panel does not measure it, and the American Heart Association recommends every adult be tested at least once.
The biomarker
- Name: Lp(a) — Lipoprotein(a)
- Units: nmol/L (some labs report mg/dL; 125 nmol/L corresponds to 50 mg/dL in the AHA/ACC threshold)
- Risk threshold: 125 nmol/L (50 mg/dL) or higher is a risk-enhancing factor per the AHA/ACC guideline (ranges vary by lab)
How to read your result
| Value (nmol/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 125 | Below the AHA/ACC risk-enhancing threshold |
| 125–249 | A risk-enhancing factor per the AHA/ACC guideline, associated with about 1.4-fold higher cardiovascular risk — discuss with your clinician |
| ≥ 250 | Associated with about 2-fold higher estimated cardiovascular risk per the AHA/ACC guideline — discuss with your clinician |
What moves the needle
- Lp(a) itself is mostly inherited. By about age 5 you usually have your adult level, and diet and exercise may not change it.
- If elevated: ask your clinician how it changes the management of your LDL cholesterol and your other risk factors.
- Testing: at least once in a lifetime, per the American Heart Association. A family history of stroke or early heart disease is a reason to ask for it.
Why this test is worth asking for
- About 1 in 5 people have high Lp(a), usually without symptoms.
- A regular cholesterol test (lipid panel) does not measure Lp(a); it has to be ordered separately.
- A high level may mean higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease even if your other cholesterol levels are healthy.
- High Lp(a) is also linked to aortic stenosis and peripheral artery disease.
Related protocols
- Lipid Panel — LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
- ApoB — Cardiovascular Risk Marker
- Omega-3 Index — EPA + DHA Blood Test
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test
- American Heart Association — Lipoprotein(a)
- American Heart Association — 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: Top Things to Know
- NHLBI — Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
