Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, sampling conditions, and related tests.

Which reference range or cutoff should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's report and the purpose of testing; diagnostic cutoffs are separate sourced clinical thresholds.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic, or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

High Lipoprotein(a): What Does It Mean?

High Lp(a) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk even when routine LDL appears acceptable.

Test summary

Test name: Lipoprotein(a)
Abbreviations: Lp(a), Lipoprotein a
Category: Cardiometabolic / Advanced Lipids
Panel: Advanced Lipid / Cardiovascular Risk
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: nmol/L, mg/dL

What does the test measure?

Measures lipoprotein(a), an LDL-like particle with an attached apolipoprotein(a).

Why is the test ordered?

Used to refine inherited cardiovascular-risk assessment; the 2026 ACC/AHA guideline recommends measuring Lp(a) at least once in adulthood.

Information about a low result

Lower Lp(a) generally corresponds to less Lp(a)-related additional risk.

Information about a high result

High Lp(a) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk even when routine LDL appears acceptable.

Reference and clinical context

Use the laboratory report as context, but treatment goals and risk thresholds vary with age, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, kidney disease, and current therapy.

Reference context 1

>= 125 nmol/L

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

High Lp(a) risk-enhancing threshold

The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline treats Lp(a) >=125 nmol/L and above as a risk-enhancing level in cardiovascular assessment.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Lp(a) is largely genetically determined and relatively stable over life. A fixed conversion between mg/dL and nmol/L should not be assumed.

Related specialties

Cardiology
Internal Medicine
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Pediatric Cardiology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Lp(a) purpose, genetic stability and cardiovascular-risk context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia – ACC/AHA release — American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association
Professional guideline summary · 2026 · Current dyslipidemia guidance; LDL/non-HDL goals, ApoB and Lp(a) risk assessment · Verified: Aug 12, 2026