Helvy
Early access is openJoin the list
Metabolic
In the UK, the standard clinical (NHS) reference range for Lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a) is <75 nmol/L (low risk), with <50 nmol/L (optimal) considered the performance-optimised range. A result within these ranges suggests typical status; only a qualified clinician can interpret an individual reading.
Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined lipoprotein particle structurally similar to LDL but with an additional protein — apolipoprotein(a) — attached. Unlike most cardiovascular risk factors, Lp(a) levels are 80-90% determined by genetics and are largely unresponsive to diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes. It is one of the most underappreciated cardiovascular risk factors, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 people globally.
Optimal range · UK
<50 nmol/L (optimal)
Performance-optimised band · clinical (NHS) range <75 nmol/L (low risk)
Clinical (NHS)
<75 nmol/L (low risk)
Performance
<50 nmol/L (optimal)
Reference ranges for Lp(a), not a personal result. Any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Optimal ranges
| Range | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | <75 nmol/L (low risk) |
| Performance-optimised range | <50 nmol/L (optimal) |
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
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
Low / Deficiency
High / Excess
Dietary sources
Supplementation
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
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
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
This 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.
Your next step