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 slightly based on laboratory methods. No sex-specific differences are typically noted.
Overview
Übersicht
Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated as Lp(a), is a lipoprotein variant that consists of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle and an apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] component. Researchers have identified Lp(a) as a significant biomarker for cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (AS). Lp(a) levels are predominantly genetically determined, remaining relatively stable throughout an individual's life. Clinically, elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors such as LDL cholesterol. This makes Lp(a) an important target for risk assessment and potential therapeutic intervention. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, Lp(a) is less directly relevant, as its levels are largely unaffected by lifestyle changes. However, understanding one's Lp(a) levels can be crucial for long-term cardiovascular health and longevity strategies. Caveats in measuring Lp(a) include the genetic determination of its levels and the challenges in standardizing its measurement across different laboratories. Researchers emphasize the importance of using accurate assays to assess Lp(a) levels, as well as considering other biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and LDL cholesterol for a comprehensive cardiovascular risk profile.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated Lp(a) levels indicate an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis. These levels are considered independent risk factors, not influenced by traditional cholesterol management.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising Lp(a) values suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Re-test every 6 months if levels are elevated.
Falling Values
Falling values are uncommon due to genetic stability but may indicate laboratory error.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Genetic predisposition
- Familial hyperlipidemia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Inflammation
- Menopause
Cause
Low Levels
- Genetic factors
- Certain liver diseases
- Malnutrition
- Hypothyroidism
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Low saturated fat intake
- Increased fiber consumption
Lever
Supplementation
- Niacin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Note:
Genetic factors primarily determine Lp(a) levels, limiting the impact of lifestyle and dietary changes.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Every 5 years for adults with a family history of cardiovascular disease
Interfering Factors
- Recent acute illness
- Hormonal therapy
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the optimal reference ranges and risk thresholds for lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels, particularly across different ancestries, remain debated. Researchers have not yet established standardized methods for measuring Lp(a) that account for genetic variability and confounding factors. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term efficacy of emerging Lp(a)-lowering therapies in reducing cardiovascular risk and the specific patient populations that would benefit most from such interventions.
20 Research Publications
855
Total Citations
7
Human/RCT
3.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
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Filter
01Top
#01
Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women.
HumanInfluence9.0
194
Researchers found that higher levels of lipoprotein(a), along with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and LDL cholesterol, predicted cardiovascular events in initially healthy women over a 30-year period. The study highlighted that these biomarkers independently contribute to cardiovascular risk. The findings support the need for long-term risk assessment strategies.
02Top
#02
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
ReviewInfluence7.0
190
Researchers found that elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are prevalent in about 20% of the population and are a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The statement emphasizes the importance of testing Lp(a) in clinical practice for better risk management.
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.
03Top
#03
Ancestry, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Risk Thresholds: JACC Review Topic of the Week.
ReviewInfluence6.0
130
This review analyzed how ancestry affects lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular risk thresholds. Researchers concluded that while genetic differences exist, the predictive value of Lp(a) does not 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
45
This study supported the concept of universal one-time screening for LDL cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein(a) in primary prevention. Researchers found that elevated levels of these biomarkers predicted 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
Researchers observed that pelacarsen significantly reduced lipoprotein(a) cholesterol levels in patients with elevated Lp(a). The study compared various methods of measuring LDL cholesterol and found that the corrected LDL cholesterol provided a more accurate reflection of changes than standard laboratory reports.
09
#09
Lipoprotein(a) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Where Do We Stand?
ReviewInfluence1.0
27
This study examined the role of lipoprotein(a) as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Researchers summarized the genetic determination of Lp(a) levels and discussed emerging therapies targeting Lp(a), including antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs.
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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