Lipoprotein (A) Test
What is lipoprotein (A)?
Lipoproteins are the molecules made up of fats and proteins. Lipoproteins are the carriers of cholesterol through our bloodstream. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL(Low-Density Cholesterol) and HDL(High-density Cholesterol). LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) is bad cholesterol. Lipoprotein A is a kind of lipoprotein that carries LDL(Low-Density Protein).
What is a lipoprotein (A) test?
Lipoprotein (A) test is used to measure and monitor the levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream. A higher level of LDL(Low-Density lipoproteins) can lead to serious cardiac disorders and diseases.
Why did my doctor ask me to undergo the Lipoprotein (A) test?
Your doctor might ask you to undergo the lipoprotein (A) test to assess several conditions. Some of the reasons why your doctor might have asked you to undergo the Lipoprotein (A) Test.
– To diagnose any heart disease if you have any family history of heart disease.
– Your doctor might want to monitor the condition of the existing heart condition or other vascular diseases.
– The lipoprotein (A) test is recommended by your doctor if you recently had a heart attack or stroke.
– If you are going through your post-menopausal phase, you have elevated risk factors of heart diseases like hypertension, diabetes or other cardiovascular diseases. In this case, the doctor recommends undergoing the lipoprotein(A) test.
When should I undergo the Lipoprotein(A) test?
The lipoprotein (A) remains almost constant throughout the lifetime. But the levels of the lipoprotein (A) changes based on a few factors. Some of these factors are:
– Estrogen depletion
– Hypercholesterolemia, a condition caused by high levels of blood cholesterol
– Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland
– Uncontrolled diabetes
– Renal failure
– Nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder characterized by protein loss, swelling, and elevated levels of blood cholesterol and lipoproteins.
In the case of any of these conditions, the Lipoprotein (A) test is highly recommended.
What are the preparations needed for the Lipoprotein (A) test?
There is no need for any specific preparations for the Lipoprotein (A) test.
– Mostly the Lipoprotein(A) test is conducted along with the Lipid profile or the Lipid Panel test.
– Fasting of 9 to 12 hours is required for the Lipid profile or the Lipid Panel test.
– No new medications are included.
– The old medications aren’t required to be stopped.
What is the procedure of the Lipoprotein (A) Test?
For conducting the Lipoprotein (A) test, a blood sample has to be collected by using the procedure of venipuncture. The process of venipuncture is done by the steps as follows:
– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.
– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.
– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.
– The tourniquet is unwrapped. An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.
– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.
The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the Lipoprotein (A) test.
What are the risks of the Lipoprotein (A) Test?
There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection(venipuncture) might have some risks associated with it:
– Some people feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn.
-It might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).
– There might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.
What is the price range of the Lipoprotein (A) test in India?
The price of the Lipoprotein (A) test in India ranges from Rs 750-6500. It varies in various cities and states across the country.
When will I get my results for the Lipoprotein (A) test?
You will get the results for the Lipoprotein (A) test within 24 – 36 hours after the test.
How to interpret my results for the Lipoprotein (A) test?
The clinical ranges of the lipoprotein (A) along with the interpretation are elaborated in the chart below:
| Reference range | Interpretation |
| < 14 mg/dL | Desirable |
| 31 – 50 mg/dL | High risk |
| 14 – 30 mg/dL | Borderline risk |
| > 50 mg/dL | Very high risk |
What does it mean if I have a higher level of Lipoprotein (A) test?
A higher level of Lipoprotein(A) poses several cardiac threats. Some of the most common conditions are as follows:
– Carotid artery disease
– Coronary heart disease, including angina or heart attack
– Peripheral artery disease
– Stroke
– Atherosclerosis
Is the Lipoprotein (A) test recommended within the routine test for a pregnant woman?
The lipoprotein test is not suggested as a routine test for any pregnant woman. If a pregnant woman has any heart conditions, the lipoprotein test is highly recommended for assessing and monitoring the disorders. Higher levels of lipoproteins in the blood can have adverse effects on your unborn. Hence a lipoprotein A screening is necessary for pregnant women having cardiac disorders.
Is the Lipoprotein (A) test recommended for my newborn?
If you have had any cardiac issues like myocardial infarction(heart attack), atherosclerosis, etc during pregnancy, your newborn should definitely undergo the lipoprotein A test. In the case of an existing family history of cardiovascular disorders before the age of 55 years, the lipoprotein (A) test is significantly suggested to your newborn.
When should I get my kid a Lipoprotein (A) test?
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disorders or diseases and if your kid is showing signs and symptoms of cardiac diseases or disorders, the Lipoprotein (A) test is highly recommended.
What is the prevalence of heart diseases in India?
Every year, almost 1.7 million Indians demise due to heart-related issues and other cardiovascular conditions. Heart diseases are the leading cause of maximum deaths in India.
What are the other conditions which are lead by the higher levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein)?
Besides every cardiac disease and disorder, the higher levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) lead to other conditions too. Some of the common conditions are as follows:
– Abnormal blood pressure
– Blood clotting
– Abnormal weight gain
– Yellow-colored fatty deposits around the eyes
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