BLOOD TEST · SMART CARE POLYCLINIC, DEIRA
Lipoprotein(a) explained
An inherited cholesterol particle that raises heart risk; most people need it measured only once.
Order it on its own, or build your own blood test profile — 4 or more tests save up to 30–50%.
What the Lipoprotein(a) test measures
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is set almost entirely by your genes. Diet and exercise barely change it, and a high level raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the aortic valve independently of your other cholesterol results.
What the result tells you
If it's high
Your heart risk is higher than your other results suggest, so blood pressure, LDL and blood sugar are managed more firmly.
Usually a once-in-a-lifetime test
Because it is inherited and stable, one measurement as an adult is normally enough.
It runs in families
A high result is a reason for parents, brothers, sisters and children to be checked too.
How to prepare
- Fasting
- Not required
- Best time
- Any time of day
What can move the result
A result outside the usual range does not on its own mean something is wrong. These are the everyday explanations a doctor considers first.
Packages that include it
Frequently asked questions
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is set almost entirely by your genes. Diet and exercise barely change it, and a high level raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the aortic valve independently of your other cholesterol results. If it's high: Your heart risk is higher than your other results suggest, so blood pressure, LDL and blood sugar are managed more firmly.
Fasting: Not required. Best time: Any time of day.
Commonly: your genes, above all; kidney disease; pregnancy and menopause, modestly; some cholesterol medicines, slightly. A single result is not a diagnosis. Values are read against the laboratory's own reference range and alongside your history, your symptoms and the rest of the panel — which is why every package includes a doctor to go through them with you.
At Smart Care Polyclinic, 29 Doha Centre, Al Maktoum Rd, Deira, Dubai. It is included in the Cardiac Panel, or it can be ordered on its own. Walk in during opening hours or call +971 (0)4 379 3562.
Sources
Written from current guidance and reviewed 18 October 2026.
- Lipoprotein(a)American Heart Association
- Lipoprotein (a) blood testMedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine