Lipoprotein-a (Lp-a)

Lipoprotein (a) is a type of cholesterol particle that you inherit from your parents and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke when elevated. Unlike regular cholesterol, it doesn't change much with diet or exercise, but knowing your level helps your doctor better understand your overall heart disease risk.

When elevated: Elevated Lp(a) levels indicate increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic valve stenosis. Risk increases progressively with higher levels, with values >180 mg/dL conferring risk similar to heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. High Lp(a) may warrant more aggressive management of other cardiovascular risk factors. When low: Low Lp(a) levels are favorable and indicate absence of this specific genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Very low or undetectable levels are not associated with any known health risks. Low levels do not eliminate cardiovascular risk from other factors such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes.

Lp(a) is minimally affected by training, diet, or lifestyle changes—it's almost entirely genetic. Athletes should know their baseline level primarily for long-term cardiovascular health screening, not as a training-responsive marker or performance indicator.