Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Lipoprotein(a): Understanding Your Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
Lp(a) is a genetic cardiovascular risk factor that every athlete should know about. Understanding your inherent risk helps you make informed decisions about long-term cardiovascular health.
What It Measures
This test measures the concentration of Lp(a) particles in your blood. The level is largely set by your genes and stays fairly stable throughout life.
Why It Matters
An elevated Lp(a) is an independent and causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Because it is genetically determined, knowing your level helps you and your doctor judge your inherent cardiovascular risk. Lipoprotein(a) resembles LDL but also contains apolipoprotein(a). An elevated level is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Research into new medicines that may lower Lp(a) is ongoing; discuss with your GP what your value means for you. For a fuller picture of heart health it is often viewed alongside LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and ApoB, and you can combine these markers in a custom blood test on the biomarkers page.
When to Test
Testing is generally advised at least once in a lifetime. It is especially relevant if you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease or unexplained cardiovascular events. If you want a broader heart-health check, you can add related markers such as triglycerides and HDL cholesterol from the biomarkers overview or build a custom blood test.
Symptoms
Low Levels
High Levels
Lifestyle Tips
While Lp(a) is largely genetic, managing other cardiovascular risk factors (LDL, blood pressure, smoking, weight) becomes even more important if your Lp(a) is elevated. Discuss management strategies with your healthcare provider.