Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) Blood Test

Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) Blood Test

Check an important inherited cardiovascular risk factor from a self-collected blood sample.

The Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), blood test measures the level of Lipoprotein(a) in your blood.

Lp(a) is an important, largely genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease that is not routinely measured as part of a standard cholesterol test.

With the Repose Healthcare Lipoprotein(a) Test, you can collect your capillary blood sample yourself, without needing to fast before taking the test.

The assay measures the number of Lp(a) particles independently of particle-size heterogeneity, providing a result reported in nmol/L.

A result above 75 nmol/L is considered to reflect increased cardiovascular risk based on Framingham data.

Why Test Your Lipoprotein(a) Level?

Lipoprotein(a) is different from the cholesterol measurements normally included in a routine lipid profile. Because Lp(a) concentrations are predominantly determined by genetics, someone may have elevated Lp(a) even when their routine cholesterol results appear satisfactory.

Testing may be particularly useful if you:

• Have a family history of premature heart disease or stroke
• Have a close relative with elevated Lp(a)
• Have experienced cardiovascular disease despite apparently satisfactory cholesterol levels
• Have familial hypercholesterolaemia or suspected inherited cardiovascular risk
• Want to understand your cardiovascular risk factors more comprehensively
• Have been advised by a healthcare professional to have your Lp(a) measured

What Is Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated Lp(a), is a cholesterol-containing lipoprotein particle circulating in the blood. It is structurally related to LDL but also contains a distinctive protein called apolipoprotein(a).

Your Lp(a) concentration is largely determined by variations in the LPA gene and tends to remain relatively stable throughout adult life.

This makes Lp(a) different from many conventional cardiovascular risk factors that can be substantially influenced by diet and lifestyle.

Elevated Lp(a) has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and aortic valve stenosis.

What Does the Lp(a) Test Measure?

This test measures the number of Lp(a) particles in your blood and reports the result in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L).

The laboratory assay measures Lp(a) particle concentration independently of particle-size heterogeneity. This is important because apolipoprotein(a) particles can vary considerably in size between individuals.

Reference Range

Lp(a): ≤75 nmol/L

A result of >75 nmol/L is considered to reflect increased cardiovascular risk, based on Framingham data.

An elevated result does not mean that you currently have cardiovascular disease or that you will necessarily develop it. Lp(a) represents one component of your overall cardiovascular risk.

What Does a High Lipoprotein(a) Result Mean?

A Lipoprotein(a) result above the laboratory threshold may indicate an increased cardiovascular risk.

Your result should not be considered in isolation. Overall cardiovascular risk can also be influenced by:

• LDL and non-HDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Age
• Family history
• Kidney function
• Other medical and lifestyle factors

If your Lp(a) result is elevated, we recommend discussing it with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional, who can interpret it alongside your medical history and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Is Lp(a) the Same as LDL Cholesterol?

No. Lipoprotein(a) and LDL cholesterol are different measurements.

Although Lp(a) shares some structural similarities with LDL, a routine cholesterol test does not normally provide your Lp(a) concentration.

This means it is possible to have routine cholesterol results within the expected range while having an elevated Lp(a) level.

A dedicated Lp(a) blood test is required to measure this inherited cardiovascular risk factor.

Simple Self-Collect Capillary Blood Sample

This test uses a self-collected capillary blood sample, allowing you to collect your sample conveniently without attending a clinic for venous blood collection.

Follow the collection instructions supplied with your kit carefully to ensure that a sufficient, good-quality sample is obtained.

Do I Need to Fast?

No. Fasting is not required for this Lipoprotein(a) test.

You can collect your sample at a convenient time while following the instructions supplied with your testing kit.

How Often Should Lp(a) Be Tested?

Because Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and generally remain relatively stable, frequent repeat testing may not be necessary for many people.

Whether repeat testing is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

Who May Consider an Lp(a) Test?

You may wish to consider Lipoprotein(a) testing if you have:

• A strong family history of cardiovascular disease
• A family history of heart attack or stroke at a relatively young age
• Known familial hypercholesterolaemia
• A relative with elevated Lp(a)
• Cardiovascular disease that is not fully explained by conventional risk factors
• An interest in understanding inherited cardiovascular risk factors

Understanding Your Result

Your result will be reported in nmol/L.

≤75 nmol/L: Within the laboratory reference range.

>75 nmol/L: Considered to reflect increased cardiovascular risk based on Framingham data.

An elevated Lp(a) result is not a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Your result should be interpreted alongside your medical history, family history, other laboratory results and overall cardiovascular risk profile by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Important Information

The Lipoprotein(a) blood test measures one component of cardiovascular risk. It does not diagnose coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aortic valve disease or any other cardiovascular condition.

Laboratory results should be interpreted alongside other relevant clinical information by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

If you have symptoms such as persistent or severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, collapse, or symptoms suggestive of a stroke, seek urgent medical attention rather than relying on a private blood test.

Lipoprotein(a) Testing with Repose Healthcare

The Repose Healthcare Lipoprotein(a) Blood Test provides a convenient way to measure this important inherited cardiovascular risk marker using a self-collected capillary blood sample.

Key Features

• Measures Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a)
• Self-collect capillary blood sample
• No fasting required
• Results reported in nmol/L
• Assay measures Lp(a) particle number independently of size heterogeneity
• Helps identify an important inherited cardiovascular risk factor
• Convenient home sample collection
• Confidential laboratory testing

Order your Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) Blood Test today and gain greater insight into an important inherited component of your cardiovascular risk.