Lipoprotein-a

Lp(a)

Lipoproteins are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood.

A blood test can be done to measure a specific type of lipoprotein called lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a). Your Lp(a) level is something you inherit through your genes. It is not affected by your weight or your diet or exercise habits. A high level of Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked not to eat anything for 12 hours before the test.

Do not smoke before the test.

How the Test will Feel

A needle is inserted to draw blood. You may feel slight pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

High levels of lipoproteins can increase the risk for heart disease. The test is done to check your risk for atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend that all adults have the Lp(a) test once in their lifetime.

Normal Results

Normal values are below 30 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), or 1.7 mmol/L.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The example above shows the common measurements for results of these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Higher than normal values of Lp(a) are associated with a high risk for atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Risks

Risks linked with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins

Considerations

Lp(a) measurements may provide more detail about your risk for heart disease. Lp(a) levels 125 nmol/L or 50 mg/dL and above are considered high. While there is not yet a proven way to lower your Lp(a) level, you can talk with your provider about what steps to take to lower your overall risk for heart attack and stroke.

Open References

References

Blumenthal RS, Morris PB, Gaudino M, et al.. 2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2026 Apr 28;153(17):e1154-e1276. Epub 2026 Mar 13. PMID: 41824552. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41824552/.

Libby P. The vascular biology of atherosclerosis. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, et al, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 24.

Mora S, Martin SS. Measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and low-density lipoprotein particle concentration. In: Ballantyne CM, ed. Clinical Lipidology: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 3.

Robinson JG. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 190.

Tokgözoglu L, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, et al, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 25.

Atherosclerosis causes
Animation

Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Atherosclerosis - illustration
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in which fatty material is deposited in the vessel wall, resulting in narrowing and eventual impairment of blood flow. Severely restricted blood flow in the arteries to the heart muscle leads to symptoms such as chest pain. Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms until a complication occurs.
Atherosclerosis
illustration

Atherosclerosis causes
Animation

Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Atherosclerosis - illustration
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in which fatty material is deposited in the vessel wall, resulting in narrowing and eventual impairment of blood flow. Severely restricted blood flow in the arteries to the heart muscle leads to symptoms such as chest pain. Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms until a complication occurs.
Atherosclerosis
illustration

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Tests for Lipoprotein-a

Review Date: 7/21/2026

Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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