Lab test glossary · Cholesterol & lipids
Lipoprotein(a): what it means
Also known as: Lp(a)
Lipoprotein(a) is a largely inherited cholesterol particle that independently raises heart risk — usually worth checking once in a lifetime.
What it measures
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is an LDL-like particle whose level is set mostly by your genes and stays fairly constant through life. A high Lp(a) raises cardiovascular risk independent of your regular cholesterol, and because it's inherited, a high result can matter for your relatives too.
Typical range
Often reported in nmol/L or mg/dL; a lower value is better, with risk rising above roughly the lab's stated cutoff. Because units and cutoffs vary, read it against your report and with your doctor.
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Genetics — the main driver
- Can be modestly affected by other conditions
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
Why the trend matters
Lp(a) is largely genetic and stable, so it's typically a one-time test rather than something you trend — knowing your number once informs risk for life.
When to talk to your doctor
A high Lp(a), or a family history of early heart disease, is worth discussing with your doctor — including what it means for relatives.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.