This test is aslo known as Lipoprotein A Test, lipoprotein little a Test, lpa test, lp(a) test.
To assess risk of heart disease and stroke.
The purpose of a lipoprotein (a) test is to assess whether you have high levels of lipoprotein (a) that can lead to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke.
Lipoprotein (a) tests are mainly used for screening, which narrates testing to recognize health problems before they cause signs or symptoms. The purpose of screening lipoprotein (a) is for an early detection of potential CVD. If you are healthy without other cardiovascular risk then this test is not recommended as a screening test. However, more often the screening is prescribed if you are previously believed to have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lipoprotein (a), often known as Lp(a), is a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol through the bloodstream. It has a single apolipoprotein B protein, as well as cholesterol and other lipids, and is similar to low-density lipoprotein. This test evaluates a person's risk of getting cardiovascular disease by measuring the amount of Lp(a) in their blood.
Lp(a) is a risk factor for CVD, same as LDL. A person's level of Lp(a) is genetically determined and remains generally stable throughout their lives. Because a high level of Lp(a) is expected to contribute to a person's overall risk of CVD, this test could be useful as a CVD risk marker.
The protein portion of Lipoprotein (a) is made up of the following components:
- Apolipoprotein B, a lipid-metabolizing protein that is the major protein ingredient of lipoproteins like LDL and VLDL
- Apo (a), a second protein that is connected to Apo B. Apolipoprotein(a) is a protein with a unique structure that is considered to prevent clots from breaking down naturally. The apolipoprotein(a) portion of Lp(a) varies in size from person to person, with Caucasians having a smaller apolipoprotein(a) portion than those of African heritage. Although the importance of size variation in contributing to CVD risk is debatable, there is some evidence that smaller size increases risk. However, most Lipoprotein(a) assays don’t assess the size of Apo(a). Only Lipoprotein(a) levels in the blood are measured and reported.
Because roughly half of those who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels, scientists have looked for additional factors that may impact heart disease. Lp(a) is assumed to be one of these factors. Lp(a) has two possible contributions. For starters, because Lp(a) can stimulate the uptake of LDL into blood channel walls, it may aid in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque on blood vessel walls. Second, because apo(a) has a structure that inhibits clot-dissolving enzymes, Lp(a) may enhance clot buildup in the arteries. Lp(a) may be more atherogenic than LDL for these reasons.
The testing is more doubtlessly to be recommended by your doctor if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease like:
- Past diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
- Very high levels of LDL cholesterol
- Family history of cardiovascular disease, especially if it occurred early in life and in more than one first-degree relatives
- High potential of having familial hypercholesterolemia, a hereditary disorder causing high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol
No preparation required.
None
Within 1 to 2 days of from the date of sample received.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm known as "Vanipuncture".
Sample report in a format
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