Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular cardiovascular exercise
- Smoking cessation
Blutwerte · Marker
Lipoprotein(a)
Lp(a) · Lipoprotein a · Lp-a
Lipide & Herz-Kreislauf
- Einheit:
- g/L
- Abbreviation
- Lp(a)
Lipoprotein(a) quantifies the concentration of Lp(a) particles in the blood, which consist of an LDL-like particle and an apolipoprotein(a) component.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.1–0.3g/L
0.1
0.3
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · g/LReference ranges may vary by laboratory; genetic factors significantly influence levels.
Overview
Übersicht
Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated as Lp(a), is a complex lipoprotein particle consisting of a low-density lipoprotein-like molecule and an apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] particle. Researchers have found that Lp(a) levels are predominantly genetically determined, with 70-90% of the variation attributed to the LPA gene. This biomarker remains relatively stable throughout an individual's lifetime. Clinically, Lp(a) is recognized as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and thrombosis. Elevated levels of Lp(a) have been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, Lp(a) is of interest due to its potential impact on cardiovascular health and longevity. However, its role in these areas is less clear compared to traditional lipids like LDL cholesterol. Researchers have observed that Lp(a) levels are not significantly influenced by lifestyle factors, making them a challenging target for modification through non-pharmacological means. Caveats in measuring Lp(a) include the lack of standardized assays and the potential for variability in results due to differences in laboratory methods. Fasting is not required for Lp(a) testing, and there are no significant time-of-day effects. However, the interpretation of Lp(a) levels should consider genetic background and the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. High Lp(a) is considered an independent risk factor, contributing to cardiovascular risk beyond traditional lipids.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising Lp(a) levels suggest an increasing risk of cardiovascular events. Retesting is recommended every 6 months if levels are elevated.
Falling Values
Falling Lp(a) levels may indicate a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, though significant changes are uncommon without intervention.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Genetic predisposition
- Familial hyperlipidemia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Inflammatory conditions
Cause
Low Levels
- Genetic factors
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Severe illness
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Reduced intake of trans fats
Lever
Supplementation
- Niacin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Interfering Factors
- Recent acute illness
- Hormonal changes
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges and optimal targets for lipoprotein(a) levels remain debated, particularly regarding ancestry-specific risk thresholds and the standardization of measurement techniques. Researchers have not yet established the long-term effects of novel therapeutic agents targeting lipoprotein(a) on cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered about the interplay of lipoprotein(a) with other biomarkers in diverse populations and its role in risk stratification for individuals on cholesterol-lowering medications.
19 Research Publications
756
Total Citations
7
Human/RCT
3.1
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Use of Lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association.
Wilson Don P, et al. · Journal of clinical lipidology · 2019
ReviewInfluence5.0
174
Researchers emphasized the importance of lipoprotein(a) as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a scientific statement. They found that elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are prevalent in about 20% of the population and are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events.
Key findings
- 01Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- 02Elevated Lp(a) levels are present in approximately 20% of the population.
- 03Testing Lp(a) can help inform treatment strategies for heart disease prevention.
02Top
#02
Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women.
HumanInfluence8.0
156
This study examined the long-term cardiovascular risk in initially healthy U.S. women by measuring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels. Researchers found that higher levels of these biomarkers predicted an increased risk of major cardiovascular events over a 30-year period, supporting the need for extended risk assessment strategies.
03Top
#03
Ancestry, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Risk Thresholds: JACC Review Topic of the Week.
ReviewInfluence5.0
120
This study reviewed the genetic differences in lipoprotein(a) levels across ancestries and their implications for cardiovascular risk assessment. Researchers found that while lipoprotein(a) is a significant risk factor, its predictive value does not vary enough to necessitate ancestry-specific risk thresholds in clinical practice.
04
#04
Lipoprotein(a), Oxidized Phospholipids, and Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Outcomes.
Gilliland Thomas C, et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2023
Human
88
This study investigated the association of lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipids with coronary artery disease severity. Researchers found that higher levels of lipoprotein(a) were linked to increased severity of coronary artery disease and higher rates of cardiovascular events.
Key findings
- 01Higher levels of lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipids were associated with more severe coronary artery disease.
- 02Each doubling of lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipid levels increased the risk of major cardiovascular events.
- 03The study involved 1,098 participants and emphasized the significance of these biomarkers in heart disease assessment.
05
#05
Lipoprotein(a) mass: a massively misunderstood metric.
ReviewInfluence1.0
51
This review examined the importance of accurately measuring lipoprotein(a) levels in assessing cardiovascular risk. Researchers emphasized the need for a mass-insensitive assay to improve understanding and comparison of lipoprotein(a) levels across studies.
06
#06
Lipoprotein (a), Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis.
Review
50
This study highlighted the link between high lipoprotein(a) levels and residual cardiovascular risk despite optimal management. Researchers found that lipoprotein(a) concentrations above 125 nmol/L significantly increased cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to address this risk factor.
07
#07
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein(a) universal one-time screening in primary prevention: the EPIC-Norfolk study.
Kraaijenhof Jordan M, et al. · European heart journal · 2025
HumanInfluence1.0
33
This study assessed the effectiveness of universal screening for lipoprotein(a) and other biomarkers in primary prevention of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that higher levels of lipoprotein(a) significantly predicted the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events over a 20-year follow-up.
Key findings
- 01Higher levels of LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein(a) were linked to increased risks of major cardiovascular events over two decades.
- 02Individuals with elevated levels of all three biomarkers had significantly higher risks of heart problems compared to those with normal levels.
- 03The findings from this European study align with previous research from the United States, reinforcing the need for universal screening.
08
#08
Effect of Pelacarsen on Lipoprotein(a) Cholesterol and Corrected Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.
Human
32
This study assessed the impact of pelacarsen on lipoprotein(a) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular disease. Researchers observed significant reductions in lipoprotein(a) cholesterol levels with pelacarsen treatment, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for managing elevated lipoprotein(a).
09
#09
Lipoprotein(a) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Where Do We Stand?
ReviewInfluence1.0
24
Researchers reviewed the role of lipoprotein(a) as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. They found that lipoprotein(a) levels are largely genetically determined and stable throughout life, highlighting the challenges in standardizing its measurement and the potential for new therapeutic agents targeting lipoprotein(a).
10
#10
Lipoprotein (a): Underrecognized Risk with a Promising Future.
Review
13
This review focused on lipoprotein(a) as an underrecognized cardiovascular risk factor. Researchers highlighted the need for therapies targeting lipoprotein(a) to mitigate cardiovascular risk, noting that current lipid-lowering treatments may not effectively lower lipoprotein(a) levels.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Lipoprotein(a) over time
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