What is Lipoprotein (a)?
Lipoprotein (a) (abbreviated Lp(a)) is a lipoprotein particle composed of an LDL-like cholesterol core bound to an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). It circulates in the bloodstream and contributes to the movement of fats (lipids) in your system. It differs from LDL in its structure and its stronger tendency to deposit in vessel walls.
Why does it matter for long-term health and wellbeing?
Because Lp(a) promotes lipid deposition and may accelerate plaque formation even when other cholesterol markers appear normal, a raised Lp(a) highlights hidden, inherited risk. Having that insight lets you refine your prevention or performance plan — focusing harder on modifiable risk factors (lipids, inflammation, blood pressure, fitness) to offset the genetic burden. Its value lies in stepping ahead rather than reacting later.
What’s an optimal level of Lipoprotein (a)?
- Lab / conventional high cut-off (upper reference): ~100 nmol/L (many labs use ~125 nmol/L as a higher risk threshold)
- Vively’s optimal target (lower is better): up to 7.5 nmol/L
Because Lp(a) is largely genetic and stable over time, your measured level will usually remain within a narrow band.
What influences Lipoprotein (a) levels?
- Genetics (the dominant determinant; LPA gene variants)
- Apo(a) isoform size (different molecular forms influence measured quantity)
- Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause)
- Certain inflammatory or metabolic states — though these effects tend to be modest compared to genetic influence
Lifestyle and diet have minimal direct impact on Lp(a), which is why it’s often called a “fixed” risk marker.
What does it mean if Lipoprotein (a) is outside the optimal range?
If your Lp(a) is higher than ~7.5 nmol/L (and especially above the lab reference upper), it indicates you carry an inherited predisposition toward more aggressive lipid deposition and vascular stress. This doesn’t mean a guarantee of adverse events — but it signals that your other levers (LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, glucose, fitness) matter even more. You can use that as a prompt to sharpen your metabolic, cardiovascular and longevity strategy with more precision.
How can I support healthy Lipoprotein (a) levels?
While Lp(a) is not very responsive to diet or exercise, you can still reduce the impact of a higher level by being extra diligent with your modifiable factors:
- Maintain low LDL cholesterol and total atherogenic lipoproteins
- Optimise blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, weight, and inflammation
- Support vascular health via exercise, good sleep, and anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrition
In future, newer therapies (currently in research) may allow targeted lowering of Lp(a) — but until then, the practical value is in using Lp(a) as a signal to intensify and personalise your approach.
This information is provided for general health and wellness purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
References
- Ward, N. C. et al. (2023). Australian Atherosclerosis Society Position Statement on Lipoprotein(a). Heart, Lung and Circulation.
- Razavi, A. C. et al. (2025). Why, how and in whom should we measure levels of Lp(a)? Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism.
- Morton, J. I. et al. (2025). Lp(a) testing for the primary prevention of cardiovascular risk. Atherosclerosis.
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. (2025). Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) and cholesterol.
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