Normal range: 28-40%
Comment: Lp (a) is structurally similar to LDL but is under separate metabolic control. It blocks plasminogen receptor sites, causing an increase in atherogenic risk when levels are increased. Levels show no correlation with currently measured lipid parameters and therefore Lp (a) is an independent and additional risk factor to these. Elevated Lp (a) levels are thought to be a cause of many cases of myocardial infarction in young people with otherwise normal lipids
Sample: Serum, fasting 14 hrs