Lipoprotein(a): The Essential Cardiovascular Biomarker in Any Longevity Panel

Dr Nathan Curran BMEDSCI, MBCHB, DIPOH, AFMCP, DIPNUTRMED

If you’re serious about preventing heart disease, ageing well, and living longer with vitality, there’s one cholesterol marker you’ve probably never heard of—but should absolutely be testing for: Lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a).At Reborne Longevity, our mission is to integrate the latest scientific research into real-world, personalized health strategies. This includes routine testing for Lp(a), a hidden lipid risk factor that traditional cholesterol panels often miss.

Why Lp(a) Matters in Longevity Medicine

Lp(a) is a genetically inherited lipid particle that resembles LDL cholesterol but with a unique protein, apolipoprotein(a), attached. Unlike LDL, Lp(a) is not significantly influenced by diet, exercise, or standard lipid-lowering medications. Its impact, however, is profound: elevated Lp(a) levels are strongly associated with increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve disease.

The Science: What a 30-Year Study Just Revealed

In August 2024, researchers published a 30-year prospective study in the New England Journal of Medicine—a major contribution to cardiovascular risk science. Conducted by Dr. Paul Ridker and a team of researchers, the 30-year prospective cohort study followed nearly 28,000 women.

Their findings? Women with elevated Lp(a), LDL cholesterol, and high-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein) were 2.6 times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to women with lower levels. Each biomarker—Lp(a), CRP, and LDL—was independently predictive of cardiovascular events.

Translation: Lp(a) deserves a permanent place in your longevity lab work.

 

Why We Test for Lp(a) at Reborne Longevity

For our clients, who prioritize long-term health and elite performance, cardiovascular resilience is non-negotiable. Lp(a) testing is a cornerstone of our advanced longevity panels because:- It helps us detect silent, genetic cardiovascular risk that standard cholesterol panels miss.- It guides our preventative strategies, especially when combined with CRP and LDL analysis.- It identifies candidates for emerging RNA-based therapies such as olpasiran, designed specifically to lower Lp(a).

The Future of Cardiovascular Prevention

While therapies to reduce Lp(a) are still under clinical development, early detection empowers proactive management—from anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes to cutting-edge pharmacological interventions. At Reborne, we integrate these insights into each client’s personalized plan.

 

Conclusion

Lipoprotein(a) is no longer a fringe marker—it’s a critical component of any self-respecting longevity protocol. As science evolves, so too must our diagnostics. At Reborne Longevity, we are proud to stay ahead of the curve, bringing you the most advanced tools in the science of staying young.

Reference

Ridker PM, Moorthy MV, Cook NR, Rifai N, Lee IM, Buring JE. Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Risk. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:2087-2097. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2405182 Book a Service