Testing
LDL-C measurements can misclassify familial hypercholesterolaemia when Lp(a)-cholesterol inflates the reading, a short laboratory-focused review (Cardiol Res 2020)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) and Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Short Review Including the Laboratory Viewpoint
This short review by Hamasaki and Kotani examines Lp(a) in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) from a laboratory measurement perspective. Since standard LDL-C assays partly include Lp(a)-cholesterol in their measurement, some individuals may be misclassified as having FH, or FH treatment status may be inaccurately monitored, based on an LDL-C value inflated by high Lp(a). Because Lp(a) further raises cardiovascular risk in FH patients on top of their elevated LDL-C, the authors argue Lp(a) should be carefully measured and managed alongside LDL-C in this population, discussing both the measurement challenges and the clinical management implications.
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have a risk for CVD due to a high LDL-C value. Lp(a) also increases the CVD risk in FH individuals; thus, the Lp(a) value should be carefully managed. The LDL-C value may partly include Lp(a)-cholesterol (Lp(a)-C) in the measurement. Based on the LDL-C value, some individuals are likely misclassified as having FH and/or the status of treatment of FH can be monitored. The present review describes about Lp(a) in FH individuals in terms of the measurement issue of Lp(a) and the related management of FH.
familial hypercholesterolaemiatesting
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.