Lipoprotein (a)

Lipoprotein (a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood whose level is largely determined by your genes. This test measures how much of it you have, something a standard cholesterol panel does not usually capture.

A raised lipoprotein (a) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of your other cholesterol values. Because it is mainly inherited, knowing your level can add useful information to your overall heart-risk assessment, especially with a family history.