Lp(a)

Lp(a) is an LDL-like cholesterol particle with an extra 'tail'. High Lp(a) is usually inherited and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Lp(a) stands for lipoprotein(a). It is a cholesterol particle similar to LDL ("bad" cholesterol). However, Lp(a) has an extra protein tail attached to it. This extra protein is called apolipoprotein(a).

The amount of Lp(a) in your blood is mainly hereditary. This means that you mainly inherit elevated Lp(a) from your parents.

An elevated Lp(a) level is essentially a 'multiplication factor' of a person's baseline risk. It can increase the likelihood of arteriosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke. Lp(a) is also linked to aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve).