Optimal Ranges
What is the optimal range for Lp(a)?
Clinical (NHS) Range
<75 nmol/L (low risk)
nmol/L
Performance-Optimised Range
<50 nmol/L (optimal)
nmol/L
| Range | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | <75 nmol/L (low risk) | nmol/L |
| Performance-optimised range | <50 nmol/L (optimal) | nmol/L |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why It Matters
Why Lp(a) matters for performance
Elevated Lp(a) is an independent, causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, aortic stenosis, and heart failure. The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends measuring Lp(a) at least once in every adult's lifetime because it's genetically fixed — if it's elevated, it's been elevated since birth, silently contributing to plaque buildup. Importantly, standard lipid panels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) don't capture Lp(a) at all. You could have a 'perfect' cholesterol panel and dangerously high Lp(a). Novel therapies targeting Lp(a) directly (antisense oligonucleotides like pelacarsen) are in Phase 3 clinical trials.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of low or high Lp(a)?
Low / Deficiency
- Low Lp(a) is protective — no adverse effects
High / Excess
- No direct symptoms — Lp(a) is a silent risk factor
- Premature cardiovascular disease (heart attack before age 55 in men)
- Family history of early heart disease
- Aortic valve calcification
- Increased stroke risk
Dietary Sources
Which foods support Lp(a) levels?
Supplementation
How do you improve Lp(a) levels?
No supplement has been proven to meaningfully lower Lp(a). Niacin (vitamin B3) at pharmacological doses (1-3g) can reduce Lp(a) by 20-30%, but large trials (AIM-HIGH, HPS2-THRIVE) showed no clinical benefit and significant side effects. The focus for elevated Lp(a) should be: (1) Aggressively manage all other modifiable risk factors — keep LDL, ApoB, blood pressure, and HbA1c optimal. (2) Consider aspirin therapy if Lp(a) >50 nmol/L (discuss with GP). (3) Monitor for the arrival of targeted Lp(a)-lowering drugs (pelacarsen, olpasiran) currently in clinical trials. Know your number — it only needs to be tested once because it doesn't change.
Testing
How is Lp(a) tested in the UK?
Lp(a) is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (<75 nmol/L (low risk)) and the performance-optimal range (<50 nmol/L (optimal)), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
Key study
Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor: current status
Tsimikas S, Fazio S, Ferdinand KC, et al.
European Heart Journal (2020)
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz386Related Biomarkers
Related Guides
Explore Lp(a) in depth
Test your Lp(a) levels
Lp(a) is included in the Helvy 50+ biomarker panel. Get your results in 5 days with a personalised protocol.
Order Your TestThis content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.