What You Should Know about High / Very High Lipoprotein (a) 

Lp(a) particles have properties that often indicate a greater cardiovascular risk than other LDL particles.¹ Elevated Lp(a) is is a fairly common inherited disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 5 individuals.² Affected individuals have high Lp(a) levels from birth which increases risk of plaque formation and cardiovascular events beyond risk due to other factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or sedentary lifestyle.¹ A simple blood test can measure your Lp(a) level; however, it is not included in standard cholesterol or lipid panels.

Lp(a) are reported in different units, either mg/dL or nmol/L (the preferred unit of measure). Lp(a) values are categorized in 3 ranges:

• Normal Lp(a) level: < 30 mg/dL, or < 75 nmol/L
• Elevated Lp(a) level: 30-50 mg/dL, or 75-125 nmol/L³
• Very High Lp(a) level: > 50 mg/dL, or > 125 nmol/L⁴

An increased Lp(a) value is common in several clinical situations.³

Very High Lp(a) is considered a “risk enhancing factor” when determining an individual’s cardiovascular risk.⁴ Although less severe, elevated Lp(a) (values 75 - 125 nmol/L) can also worsen cardiovascular risk.^1,3 Your healthcare provider may consider more aggressive treatment to lower LDL levels when he or she identifies you as having elevated Lp(a) levels.³

Occasionally, elevated Lp(a) can be associated with certain medical conditions including hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), kidney disease, or eating increased amounts of trans fats. You should discuss these possibilities with your health care team.

As with other inherited disorders, when someone is diagnosed with elevated Lp(a) it is important to consider testing other relatives such as parents, siblings, and children.