Lp(a)
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle similar to LDL whose level is set mainly by genes.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle similar to LDL whose level is set mainly by genes. It carries an extra protein, apolipoprotein(a), attached to the LDL-like particle. Because the level is largely inherited, it tends to stay much the same through life, and one measurement often gives a stable picture. It is one of the blood fat values that relate to heart and blood vessel health.
Genes decide most of the level, so diet and exercise change Lp(a) much less than they change LDL. Levels can vary somewhat with age, around menopause and during pregnancy, and some medicines affect it.
Foods that help
Food has little effect on Lp(a) itself. The other blood fats read alongside it follow diet more closely. Foods with fibre and unsaturated fats: vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fatty fish.
Foods to limit
Saturated and trans fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates do not move Lp(a) much, but they raise other blood fats that are read alongside it. Keeping them moderate keeps the wider picture in balance.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →