Metabolic

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]

Unit: mg/dLID: M012

What This Test Measures

Genetic cardiovascular risk factor; sticky LDL-like particle

Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range

Conventional "Normal"

<30 mg/dL

Your doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range

Functional Optimal

≤23.3 mg/dL

This is where you actually feel great

The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.

Gabriel's Take

Lp(a) is genetically determined and highly atherogenic. Elevated Lp(a) (>30 mg/dL) significantly increases heart disease risk independent of LDL. Diet and exercise don't meaningfully lower it, so if yours is high, the focus moves to the risks you can change (ApoB, blood pressure, glucose, inflammation) with your clinician. Gabriel's optimal band: 23.3 mg/dL or less (50 nmol/L or less).