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This test assesses your risk of cardiovascular disease, Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is composed of a low density lipoprotein particle and one apolipoprotein B100 molecule linked by a disulfide bond to apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Apo(a) differs in size due to a variable number of kringle IV repeats. This variation gives rise to multiple Lp(a) isoforms within a population but not within an individual. Genetically determined isoforms with fewer kringle IV repeats are associated with higher Lp(a) blood levels. Lp(a) possesses structural homology with plasminogen and plasmin and can potentially increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by antiplasminogen activity.

Increased blood levels of Lp(a) are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis, leading to coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction, and premature CHD. Increased levels are also associated with ischemic stroke.