It is a well-known fact that in order to lower cholesterol, one must focus on reducing the low-density lipoprotein, also known as the LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol for its tendency to build up within the blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis. Another objective, besides the lowering of overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, is to raise the high-density lipoprotein or the HDL, known as the good cholesterol for its cleansing ability. However, very few are familiar with another kind of lipoprotein: the lipoprotein (a), or is short: Lp(a).

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is another LDL cholesterol particle that is part of a special protein called apo(a). Having more than 20mg/dl of Lp(a) to 30 mg/dL levels in the blood increases the risk for atherosclerosis or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, a dangerous condition where blood flow to the heart and brain is slowed and interfered by plaque blockage (a hardened build up of cholesterol) that can lead to heart disease and stroke. A greater risk is involved if the elevation of Lp(a) is combined with a high LDL/HDL ratios.

Who is most likely to have elevated levels of Lp(a)? Although in most cases the Lp(a) levels in the blood are genetically inherited, people with kidney problems or those with nephrotic syndromes usually have increased levels of Lp(a) in the blood.

How the Low Density Lipoprotein accumulates in the arteries is a well-observed and studied phenomenon. However, the way the Lp(a) lipoprotein build up into artery walls has not yet been researched and defined.

Reducing Lp(a) cholesterol levels can be achieved through the use of statin drugs and other lipid lowering medications, but they come with a series of undesirable side effects. Diet has been shown lto have little impact on lowering Lp(a) cholesterol levels whereas Estrogen has been tested and proven to lower the Lp(a) cholesterol levels by 20% among women and also raise the HDL cholesterol. High doses of Nicotinic acid can also significantly lower the Lp(a) cholesterol levels by 30%.

Although it is common knowledge that high Lp(a) cholesterol levels increase the risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease in the same way as elevated low density lipoprotein levels and studying and testing the Lp(a) cholesterol levels are an integral part of the regular cholesterol examinations in countries outside the U.S, Lp(a) cholesterol levels is often not included as part of the cholesterol test in the U.S.