Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test

Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test

Article
Vein & Vascular Health
Heart & Vascular Health
+2
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHJan 08, 2019

What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • Lipoprotein Little a Blood Test
  • Lp (a) Blood Test

What is Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test? (Background Information)

  • Lipoprotein (a), or Lp (a), is one of the several protein transporters of cholesterol through blood. It is necessary for the regulation of fat metabolism. Lipoproteins are necessary because cholesterol and fats are not soluble in blood and would otherwise coagulate and clog blood vessels
  • Lipoproteins contain apolipoproteins (“apo-“ means detached) as part of their structure. Apolipoproteins are required for transport and migration outside the blood vessel
  • The type of apolipoprotein contained by a lipoprotein determines where the lipoprotein will go. This is because cells at the destination recognize lipoproteins by the apolipoproteins they contain
  • There are different kinds of lipoproteins, depending on the ratio of protein to fat:
    • Very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons contain high amounts of fat per protein
    • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) contain less fat per protein. They transport fat and cholesterol from the body back to the liver for metabolism. Thus, they are called “good”
    • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) transport fat and cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. Thus, they are called “bad
  • Lipoprotein (a) contains the apolipoprotein Apo-B in addition to cholesterol and other fats. It is similar to LDL in structure. Consequently, like LDL, it is also a measure of an individual’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease
  • The Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test is used to assess the levels of Lipoprotein (a) in blood. It is used to estimate the risk for cardiovascular disease and also helps provide a measure of one’s cardiovascular health

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test?

Clinical indicators for performing the Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test include:

  • Evaluating the risk for cardiovascular disease that is marked by:
    • Chest pain or discomfort
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fatigue
    • Jaw pain
    • Family history of cardiovascular disease
  • Monitoring therapy for cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol levels

How is the Specimen Collected for Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood

Process of obtaining blood sample in adults:

  • A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
  • The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
  • The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
  • With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
  • The required amount of blood sample is collected, by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
  • The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
  • The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
  • The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal
  • OR, a finger-stick method (pricking one’s finger) may be used for obtaining a sample of blood

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test Result?

High Lipoprotein (a) cholesterol levels may indicate:

  • Familial hyper-a-lipoproteinemia
  • Biliary cirrhosis
  • Chronic hepatitis
  • Tangier disease
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Cholestasis
  • Hepatocellular disorders
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Premature coronary artery disease (CAD)

Low Lipoprotein (a) cholesterol levels may indicate:

  • A-ß-lipoproteinemia
  • Fish eye disease
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Chronic anemia
  • Chronic pulmonary disease
  • Severe hepatocellular destruction or disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Inflammatory joint disease
  • Myeloma
  • Reye’s syndrome

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

Certain factors may interfere with the results of the Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test. These include:

  • Stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Individual genetic predispositions to certain enzyme deficiencies

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

  • High cholesterol levels have only a 50% correlation with an individual’s likelihood of having a heart attack. Researchers believe that Lp (a) may serve as a more specific indicator for heart attacks
  • A heart attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of the heart muscle becomes obstructed

The following article link will help you understand heart attack:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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