Lp(a) Explained: The Genetic Cholesterol Marker
Lipoprotein(a), often written as Lp(a), is a cholesterol related biomarker that has gained increasing attention in cardiology.
Why It Matters
Studies suggest elevated Lp(a) may increase cardiovascular risk independently of traditional cholesterol markers.
What Lp(a) Measures
Lp(a) is a lipoprotein particle similar to LDL but with an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a).
Expert Insight
Professor Kausik Ray, cardiologist and lipid researcher at Imperial College London, has said:
“Lp(a) is one of the most important inherited risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”
Why Genetics Matters
Unlike many lipid markers, Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics and remain relatively stable throughout life.
Why Testing once is useful
Because Lp(a) is genetically determined, many cardiologists recommend measuring it at least once in adulthood.
Tracking Results
Understanding Lp(a) alongside other lipid markers such as ApoB can provide useful cardiovascular insight.