Short answer: lipoprotein(a), written Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle similar to LDL with an extra protein attached. Its level is set mostly by your genes and changes little over life, which is why European guidelines suggest measuring it at least once in adulthood. It is reported in mg/dL (mass) or nmol/L (number of particles), and the two cannot be converted exactly, because the particle size differs from person to person.
At a glance
| Measures | Lipoprotein(a) particles in serum or plasma |
|---|---|
| Units | mg/dL (mass) or nmol/L (particles); no exact conversion |
| LOINC | 10835-7 (mass), 43583-4 (moles) |
| Changes over life | Little; mostly inherited |
| Not in | The standard lipid panel; it is ordered separately |
| Keep | Value and the unit exactly as printed, with the laboratory |
What Lp(a) is
Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with an extra protein, apolipoprotein(a). The size of that protein is inherited and varies between people, and with it the level of Lp(a). Diet and exercise, which change LDL cholesterol, change Lp(a) very little. Lp(a) is not part of the usual lipid panel, so many people have never had it measured.
Why mg/dL and nmol/L do not convert
mg/dL measures the mass of the particles; nmol/L counts them. Because each person's particles have a different size, the same number of particles weighs differently. Rough factors circulate online, but laboratories and guidelines advise against converting: compare results only in the unit and method of your report.
How the result is written on the report
| Result on the report | LOINC code | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Lipoprotein(a), mass, serum or plasma | 10835-7 | mg/dL |
| Lipoprotein(a), moles, serum or plasma | 43583-4 | nmol/L |
Keeping the result in your record
Because Lp(a) changes little, one well-documented result is often kept for life. Store the report in Anpheros Daily with its unit and laboratory, next to your lipid panel and ApoB, so any future doctor sees it.
What this page does not do
It explains what the test is. It does not interpret your level, estimate your risk or recommend treatment; that depends on your other risk factors and your doctor's assessment.
Sources
- Kronenberg F, et al. Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement. European Heart Journal 2022. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehac361
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lp(a) measured only once?
Because the level is mostly inherited and stable through adult life. Your doctor may repeat it in some situations, for example during certain treatments.
Can I convert Lp(a) from mg/dL to nmol/L?
Not exactly. The particle size differs between people, so there is no fixed factor. Use the unit printed on your report.
Is Lp(a) part of a normal cholesterol test?
No. The standard lipid panel measures total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Lp(a) is requested separately.
Can lifestyle lower Lp(a)?
Lifestyle changes LDL cholesterol much more than Lp(a). Questions about lowering it are for your doctor.
Try it in Anpheros Daily
Photograph your lab report and Anpheros Daily lines up each value with its reference range, so you can compare reports from different laboratories.
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