What is an optimal lipoprotein(a) level?
The short answer
An optimal lipoprotein(a) level is under 50 nmol/L. That is Dr. Peter Attia's number. You can watch him say it below.
Most labs call lipoprotein(a) high only above 75. So your report can call 63 normal while it sits above where he draws the line.
“for that test we like to see people less than 50 nano mole per liter. when people are sort of fifty to a hundred I put them in kind of a gray area”
Where a number lands, and who said so
- under 50 nmol/L The range Dr. Peter Attia draws
- 50–75 nmol/L Normal on most reports. Above optimal Dr. Peter Attia · 24:31 →
- over 75 nmol/L Most labs flag this as high
What lipoprotein(a) measures
A sticky cholesterol particle you inherit.
Your genes set it, not your lifestyle. It can explain heart disease in someone whose other lipids look fine.
Checked against MedlinePlus — Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test.
One of the doctors we cite, on why it matters
“lp little a is hands down the most common hereditary driver of ascvd”
Common questions
What is an optimal lipoprotein(a) level?
Under 50 nmol/L, according to Dr. Peter Attia.
What is a normal lipoprotein(a) level?
Most US labs print 0–75 nmol/L. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your lipoprotein(a) number mean?
Under 0 nmol/L, your report marks it low. Between 0 and 75 it prints as normal. Over 75, your report marks it high. Where the people we follow draw their own line is above.
Is lipoprotein(a) of 63 normal?
Your lab will call it normal. Dr. Peter Attia puts the ceiling at 50 nmol/L, so by that number it is high.
What does the lipoprotein(a) test measure?
A sticky cholesterol particle you inherit. Your genes set it, not your lifestyle. It can explain heart disease in someone whose other lipids look fine.
Where does this number come from?
Dr. Peter Attia, on video. The link above jumps straight to that minute.