РусскийEnglishEspañol — próximamenteFrançais — bientôtDeutsch — in VorbereitungItaliano — in arrivoAll languages
Lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a)
A genetically determined atherogenic particle — an independent inherited risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and aortic stenosis.
Other names: Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a)Section: Blood chemistry
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortLp(a) is an LDL-like particle whose level is set almost entirely by inheritance. Low risk is below 30 mg/dL (below 300 mg/L; about below 75 nmol/L), high risk above 50 mg/dL (above 500 mg/L). One lifetime measurement is usually enough.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Low risk — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
< 30 mg/dL (< 300 mg/L; ≈ < 75 nmol/L)
Intermediate — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
30–50 mg/dL (300–500 mg/L; ≈ 75–125 nmol/L)
High risk — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
> 50 mg/dL (> 500 mg/L; ≈ > 125 nmol/L)
Gradation from Lab Tests Online (international reference, not a national standard). mg/dL and nmol/L are not directly interchangeable — compare within the units on the report.
Reference range vs optimal — not the same thing
The target is below 30 mg/dL (below 75 nmol/L); most healthy people run below 14 mg/dL. Lp(a) is largely inherited and barely moves with lifestyle — but it is worth knowing at least once.
Check your value
Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.
Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.
What this marker is
Lp(a) accelerates atherosclerosis and promotes clotting. Lifestyle barely moves the level, and statins do not lower it — so a high result shifts management toward stricter control of all other risk factors.
Testing is recommended with a family history of early heart attacks or strokes, unexplained early atherosclerosis, or as part of an extended risk assessment.
When it is high
InheritanceThe dominant cause; the level is genetically set and stable across life.
Kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease can raise the level further.
No special preparation; fasting is not required. One reliable measurement usually suffices.
When a retest makes sense
Usually not needed — the level is stable for life; a repeat makes sense only if the method is in doubt.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: a cardiologist; your GP or primary care doctor for risk assessment. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: Lp(a)Lipoprotein(a)Lipoprotein little a
Units and conversion
Measured in: mg/dL
mg/dL=mg/L
mg/L = mg/dL × 10. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
mg/dL ↔ nmol/L conversion is inexact: Lp(a) particle size varies between people; a rough guide is ≈ 2.5 nmol/L per 1 mg/dL
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
Knowing about high Lp(a) changes management: the provider tightens control of LDL, blood pressure, and other factors to compensate for the inherited risk.
Who should be tested?
People with family history of early infarction or stroke, unexplained early atherosclerosis, and as part of extended risk assessment.
Why two units?
Lp(a) particle size varies between individuals, so mg/dL ↔ nmol/L conversion is inexact; nmol/L is methodologically preferred.
We use cookies and Yandex.Metrika for visit statistics — no advertising tracking and no session recording. The counter loads only after your consent. Privacy policy.