29/01/2026
Newsletter Drop: February
Understanding Lipoprotein(a): A Critical Cardiovascular Risk Factor
Lipoprotein(a), commonly referred to as Lp(a), has garnered much attention over the last few years, and for good reason. It continues to be one of the most common inherited accelerants in the development of cardiovascular disease, yet it is rarely screened for. If you have done blood work with us, you know what your Lp(a) level is. If you are reading this and you haven’t had it checked, then now is the time.
What is Lp(a)?
Lp(a) is a low-density lipoprotein that carries cholesterol as well as an apolipoprotein B (ApoB) molecule. It can represent up to 30% of the LDL-C level that you see when you get it tested. What makes Lp(a) unique, however, is not just its pro-plaque characteristics (atherogenic), but also that it is pro-inflammatory and pro-clot (prothrombotic). This is the reason for its disproportionately negative impact. Some studies have indicated that it can be up to 6 times as atherogenic as LDL-C alone (9).
If you have talked with us in the past about cardiovascular disease, we have unpacked how your overall risk depends on much more than your lipid levels alone. Inflammation and endothelial function can be just as important. This is what can make Lp(a) particularly problematic, as it can negatively impact all three of these pathways that elevate your risk for heart disease.
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