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What is Lipoprotein (a)?

Lipoprotein (a), often written as Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein particle found in your blood. It’s similar to LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) but has an additional protein called apolipoprotein (a), which makes it stickier and more likely to contribute to plaque build-up in arteries.

Unlike other cholesterol levels, Lp(a) is mainly determined by your genes. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise have very little impact on Lp(a) levels. This means you could have high Lp(a) even if your other cholesterol tests are normal.

Why is High Lipoprotein (a) a Concern?

Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for several cardiovascular conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease (heart disease)
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Stroke (ischaemic stroke)
  • Aortic valve stenosis
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Because Lp(a) can contribute to early and aggressive artery plaque formation, identifying elevated levels is important for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.

Who Should Consider a Lipoprotein (a) Test?

  • Individuals with a family history of early heart attacks or strokes
  • Those with high cholesterol despite a healthy lifestyle
  • People with personal history of cardiovascular disease at a young age
  • Patients with other risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, or smoking
  • Anyone wanting a thorough cardiovascular risk assessment

Testing Lp(a) provides valuable information beyond a standard lipid profile, helping guide long-term prevention strategies.

About the Lipoprotein (a) Test

  • Simple blood test
  • No fasting required
  • Results available in 1 working day
  • Conducted in partnership with trusted UK laboratories

What Happens if Lp(a) is High?

While Lp(a) itself is not directly treated with medication in most cases, identifying high levels can prompt more aggressive management of other risk factors:

  • Stricter LDL cholesterol control
  • Blood pressure management
  • Lifestyle optimisation
  • Consideration of advanced lipid-lowering therapies if indicated
  • Regular cardiovascular monitoring

Why Choose Health Screening Clinic?

  • Fast, reliable testing with clear result explanations
  • Focused on preventative health and early detection
  • Convenient London location
  • Doctor-led guidance available if required

Schedule an appointment

Understand your inherited cardiovascular risk with a quick and reliable blood test.
Book your Lipoprotein (a) test at our London clinic today.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, fasting is not required for Lipoprotein (a) testing.

Your results will be ready within 1 working day.

No, Lp(a) is a specialised test and is not part of a routine lipid profile. It must be requested separately.

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Wednesday 9am to 6pm

Thursday 9am to 8pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

Sunday Closed