Most international guidelines consider an Lp(a) level below 30 mg/dL (≈ 75 nmol/L) to indicate low risk. A value above 50 mg/dL (≈ 125 nmol/L) is regarded as elevated and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

Because Lp(a) is genetically determined, your level usually remains stable throughout life — meaning a single measurement is often enough to understand your long-term risk.

No. Your Lp(a) level is determined by your genes and does not change through diet, exercise, or supplements. However, you can improve your overall heart health by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil helps keep your blood vessels healthy and lowers LDL cholesterol, which can compensate for part of the increased risk associated with high Lp(a).

Testing children for Lp(a) can be worthwhile, particularly if early heart disease runs in your family or if you have a high Lp(a) level yourself.

Since Lp(a) is passed down through families, children often share similar levels. One test early in life is typically enough, because the value stays constant over time.

Yes. Even if your LDL cholesterol is low, an elevated Lp(a) level can still increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) can cause inflammation, arterial calcification, and blood clots, independent of your other cholesterol levels. That’s why it’s considered an independent risk factor for heart and vascular disease.

In most cases, a single measurement in your lifetime is sufficient, since your Lp(a) level is genetically determined and remains stable. Repeat testing is only necessary if you participate in a clinical study or if new, more accurate test methods become available.

An elevated Lp(a) level can contribute to:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries)
• Increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis)
• Heart attack, stroke, or aortic valve stenosis

Even with a healthy lifestyle, your risk may still be higher. That’s why it’s important to keep other risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, well under control.

Currently, there are no approved medications that specifically lower Lp(a). However, global research is ongoing into new therapies that target the liver and block the production of Lp(a). Some of these treatments have shown reductions of more than 80% in clinical studies.

In rare cases, lipoprotein apheresis may be used for people with extremely high Lp(a) levels and recurrent cardiovascular problems. This treatment filters Lp(a) from the blood but offers only temporary results.

Not yet everywhere. In Europe, Lp(a) is usually measured only when there is a clear medical indication—for example, in cases of a family history of heart disease or an early heart attack without an obvious cause.

However, more and more experts advocate for Lp(a) to be measured once in every adult’s lifetime as part of routine cardiovascular risk assessment.

You cannot lower your Lp(a) level itself, but you can significantly reduce your overall risk of cardiovascular disease by:

• Keeping your LDL cholesterol as low as possible
• Not smoking
• Following a heart-healthy (Mediterranean) diet
• Getting at least 120 to 150 minutes of exercise per week
• Regularly checking your blood pressure and blood sugar

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your heart and blood vessels, but it has little to no effect on your Lp(a) level. Lp(a) is genetically determined, which means that even people who are fit, active, and of normal weight can still have elevated levels.

Nevertheless, keeping a healthy weight remains crucial, as it helps reduce other risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering your overall cardiovascular risk.

There is no convincing scientific evidence that supplements such as omega-3, niacin, or red yeast rice can permanently lower Lp(a) levels. These supplements mainly affect other blood lipids—such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides—but have little to no effect on the genetically determined Lp(a) particle.

They may support overall heart health and contribute to a better cholesterol profile, but they are not a targeted solution for elevated Lp(a).