Lipo (a) Risk Ranges

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Apologies in advance…

I decided to have some blood work done, because I am a fool who enjoys parting with his money, and to get some numbers behind certain markers. As such I had a few tests done, and so far I’ve redefined my results for Lipoprotein (a).

17 nmol/L, with the lab result indicating the follow risk range:

Reference Range <75

Risk:
Optimal <75
Moderate 75-125
High >125

Cardiovascular event risk category
cut points (optimal, moderate, high)
are based on Tsimika S. JACC
2017;69:692-711.

Using some sophisticated (not) googling, I can see additional risk ranges. I’ve been trying to see what is the most up-to-date (and more importantly) the most accepted risk range that is currently utilized.

Any suggestions on what that risk range is if not what I’ve shared above?

Thanks!

Edit for additional results:

ApoB: 75 mg/dL
ApoA1: 123 mg/dL
ApoB/ A1 ratio: 0.61 mg/dL

2

That risk range is appropriate. Your level of 17 nmol/L is very low, which is great.

3

Thanks Austin. This might not be a good question ask, but if there is a way to answer this…

what is a more important marker to care about if you had to pick one?
Lipo (a) or Apob?
Additionally, do we care about Apo A1 and the A1/B ratio?

Thanks!

4

I don’t see why you’d need to pick just one, especially now that you’ve gotten your Lp(a) checked and found it to be low … you never need to check it again.

In general, because apoB is a much more common particle, is a much more common problem in the population, varies more across the lifespan, and is more modifiable, I guess I’d have to “pick” that one in this artificial scenario.

I would not check or worry about ApoA1 or the ratio.

5

Hi Austin,

This makes sense. I’ll rephrase and ask my question: With an Lp(a) of 17 nmol/L and an ApoB of 75mg/dL is there any concern? I ask as from my light reading it seems there is a bigger focus and concern with ApoB, and I am seeing where the normal range is <90 or <65 mg/dL. Trying to make heads or tails of the risk range for ApoB and how that has any correlation with Lp(a).

I should probably go back and listen to your latest podcast on these proteins again.

Thanks!

6

I do not have concerns about your values.