Lipoprotein(a) is a molecule made from joining a protein the body makes (called apolipoprotein(a)) and LDL, which is a form of cholesterol. The importance of the Measurement and lowering of Lipoprotein(a) is an area of active research. It is one of a group of molecules called 'lipoproteins', so called because they have this common form of construction - a protein attached to a cholesterol molecule. Having elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) in their blood has been strongly implicated in research as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease - such as coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke.
20 Feb 2006