Blutwerte · Marker

Lipoprotein(a)

Lp(a) · Lipoprotein a · Lp-a

Lipide & Herz-Kreislauf

Einheit:: mg/dL
Abbreviation: Lp(a)

Lipoprotein(a) quantifies the concentration of a lipoprotein variant that includes apolipoprotein(a), which is structurally similar to LDL.

Reference Ranges

Reference

0–50mg/dL

LowNormalHigh

Reference

Optimal

Unit · mg/dL

Reference ranges may vary based on assay methods and population studies.

Overview

Übersicht

Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated as Lp(a), is a lipoprotein variant structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but distinguished by the presence of apolipoprotein(a). This biomarker is crucial in assessing cardiovascular risk, as elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (AS), independent of traditional risk factors. Researchers have found that Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and contribute to vascular inflammation, atherogenesis, enhanced calcification, and thrombosis. Clinically, Lp(a) serves as a significant marker for identifying individuals at heightened cardiovascular risk. Emerging therapies targeting Lp(a) reduction, such as antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, are under investigation to determine their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events. For athletes and biohackers, understanding Lp(a) levels can be vital for optimizing cardiovascular health and longevity. While elevated Lp(a) does not directly impact athletic performance, managing cardiovascular risk is crucial for long-term health. Caveats in measuring Lp(a) include potential variability in assay methods and the influence of genetic factors. Researchers observed that fasting is not required for Lp(a) testing, and levels are generally stable throughout the day. However, laboratory methods should accurately discriminate risk thresholds to ensure clinical relevance.

Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated Lp(a) levels indicate an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis. High Lp(a) is a genetically determined risk factor independent of traditional lipid measures.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising Lp(a) values suggest an increasing risk of cardiovascular events. Re-test every 6 months if levels are elevated.

Falling Values

Falling Lp(a) levels may indicate a response to therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk.

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
Hyperthyroidism

Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

Regular cardiovascular exercise
Smoking cessation
Weight management

Lever

Nutrition

Diet low in saturated fats
Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids

Lever

Supplementation

Niacin
Omega-3 fish oil

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required

✓Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

Annually for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease or elevated Lp(a).

Interfering Factors

Genetic variability
Assay method differences

Related Peptides & Hormones

Apolipoprotein B

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges and optimal targets for lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) remain debated, particularly regarding ancestry-specific risk thresholds and the clinical accuracy of various assays. Researchers have not yet established the long-term cardiovascular outcomes of emerging Lp(a)-lowering therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered about the synergistic effects of Lp(a) with other biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events.

42 Research Publications

938

Total Citations

Human/RCT

3.1

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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Filter

01Top

#01

Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women.

HumanInfluence9.0

203

This study examined the long-term cardiovascular outcomes in initially healthy U.S. women and found that higher levels of lipoprotein(a) were associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events over 30 years. Researchers observed that lipoprotein(a) levels independently contributed to cardiovascular risk alongside other biomarkers like LDL cholesterol and high-sensitivity CRP.

View on PubMed

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

194

This scientific statement reviewed the role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that elevated Lp(a) levels are prevalent in 20% of the population and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. The statement supports the need for Lp(a) testing in clinical practice to guide treatment strategies.

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.

View on PubMed

03Top

#03

Ancestry, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Risk Thresholds: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

ReviewInfluence6.0

136

This study examined the genetic differences in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels across various ancestries and their implications for cardiovascular risk. Researchers found that the predictive value of Lp(a) does not vary enough to require ancestry-specific risk thresholds in clinical practice. The findings support improved understanding of cardiovascular disease risk among different ancestral groups.

View on PubMed

#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

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.

View on PubMed

#05

Lipoprotein (a), Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis.

Review

This study explored the relationship between high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and cardiovascular events, emphasizing its role in residual risk despite optimal treatment. Researchers identified a threshold of Lp(a) >125 nmol/L as significantly increasing cardiovascular risk and highlighted the potential of anti-inflammatory drugs in managing this risk.

View on PubMed

#06

Lipoprotein(a) mass: a massively misunderstood metric.

ReviewInfluence1.0

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.

View on PubMed

#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

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.

View on PubMed

#08

Effect of Pelacarsen on Lipoprotein(a) Cholesterol and Corrected Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Human

Researchers investigated the effects of pelacarsen on lipoprotein(a) cholesterol [Lp(a)-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] in patients with elevated Lp(a). The study found that pelacarsen significantly reduced Lp(a)-C levels in a dose-dependent manner, while also providing a more accurate measure of LDL-C changes compared to standard laboratory reports. This highlights the importance of accurate Lp(a) measurement in assessing cardiovascular risk.

View on PubMed

#09

Lipoprotein(a) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Where Do We Stand?

ReviewInfluence1.0

Researchers examined the role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). They found that Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and stable throughout life, which complicates treatment options. The study discusses emerging therapies targeting Lp(a), including novel agents like muvalaplin.

View on PubMed

#10

The effects of colchicine on lipoprotein(a)- and oxidized phospholipid-associated cardiovascular disease risk.

Human

This study explored the effects of colchicine on cardiovascular risk associated with lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipids in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Researchers observed that colchicine reduced cardiovascular disease risk in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a), particularly benefiting those with higher levels.

View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (1)

Total Trials

Total Enrolled

Comparisons of Two Low-density Lipoprotein Apheresis Systems in Patients With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

NCT02286596COMPLETED

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrollment

Started

2013

Primary outcome

Change in plasma lipid levels between the two lipid apheresis treatment

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Publication Trend

Research publications about Lipoprotein(a) over time

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