Lipoprotein
Also known as Lipoprotein BloodWhat is this test?
Lipoprotein (a) Blood test measures the amount lipoproteins (a) in the blood. This test helps to determine the risk of heart diseases.
What is Lipoprotein (a)?
Lipids cannot dissolve in blood by itself. Therefore proteins combine with lipid to form lipoproteins. These lipoproteins contain apolipoproteins that help in the transport of lipids throughout the bloodstream. Lipoproteins are spherical in structure and are of four (4) types. They are the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and chylomicrons.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL- the good cholesterol) is the smallest lipoproteins. It plays an important role in the removal of excess or unused cholesterol from the cells and returns this cholesterol to the liver. The liver breaks down the returned cholesterol to bile acids and salts. These bile acids and salts are eliminated through the intestine. If there is enough HDL present in the body, it prevents the build-up of fatty plaques or deposits in the blood vessels.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL- the bad cholesterol) transport fat and cholesterol from the liver and promote the uptake of cholesterol into the cells. This results increased levels of cholesterol in the body. If there are high levels of LDL in the body, it results in the build-up of fatty plaques or deposits in the blood vessels. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) contain high amounts of fat and results in cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries. Chylomicrons are lipoproteins that carry dietary lipids to the liver.
Lipoprotein (a) is one type of lipoprotein that is similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol. Apolipoprotein B is the main protein component of LDL that help in its transport throughout the bloodstream. Assessing the levels Lipoprotein (a) reflects the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases). The level of Lipoprotein (a) in each individual is genetically determined and remains relatively constant throughout the lifetime. Therefore high levels of Lipoprotein (a) in the blood may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases).
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to determine the Lipoprotein (a) levels in the blood. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases or if you are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This test is recommended if you have signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease such as chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc.
You may be advised to perform this test if you have high cholesterol levels to rule out the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases). This test is also recommended if you have had a heart attack or stroke even if your lipid profile is normal or if cholesterol or LDL levels are slightly elevated.
How often this test is performed?
If you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases) your doctor may ask to perform this test in a 6 monthly or a yearly basis. If you are diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases), then you may have to perform this test on a regular basis as instructed by the doctor.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Lipoprotein. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Lipoprotein.
You may ask to fast (without eating anything) for a whole night or for up to 9 to 12 hours. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
If the test results show high Lipoprotein (a) levels in the blood than the normal range it may indicate that you are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with diseased conditions such as nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder), kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism (a thyroid disorder where the gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone), hypercholesterolemia (a condition of high levels of cholesterol in the blood) or estrogen depletion may also show high Lipoprotein (a) levels in the blood.
If the test results show low Lipoprotein (a) levels than the normal range or no detectable levels in the blood is not a serious concern. No problems are associated with low levels of Lipoprotein (a).
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | 40 - 49 mg/dll |
| FEMALE | All age groups | 50 - 59meq/dl |
| OTHER | All age groups | < 100 mEq/dl |
| OTHER | All age groups | 2 TO 30 mg/dl |
| MALE | All age groups | > 120 mg/dl |
| FEMALE | All age groups | > 140 mg/dl |
| OTHER | All age groups | < 130 mg/dl |