Lipoprotein a levels chart: a guide to your Lp(a) result
Most labs' lipoprotein a levels chart calls anything up to 75 nmol/L normal. The physician in the clip below likes to see it under 50 nmol/L.
The short answer
Most labs call lipoprotein(a) high only above 75. So your report can call 63 normal while it sits above the optimal ceiling.
If your result sits outside the range printed on your own report, take it to your doctor. If it sits inside that range but outside the optimal one, you can bring this page and ask.
“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”
Your Lp(a) result, range by range
- under 50 nmol/L Optimal
- 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.
Does Lp(a) change over your life?
This grade comes from Precis, our sister site, which checks each claim against the interviews and studies it has read. Checked October 2026.
Do you only need one Lp(a) test in your life?
“Lp(a) is inherited and stable through life, so one test is enough for most adults.” Precis rates this Leaning for.
Common questions
What is an optimal lipoprotein(a) level?
Under 50 nmol/L, from a quote on video (Dr. Peter Attia, 24:31).
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?
On a typical lab range, up to 75 nmol/L is normal and over 75 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. The optimal range on this page comes with the quote behind it.
Is lipoprotein(a) of 63 normal?
A typical lab range calls it normal. On video, the optimal ceiling is 50 nmol/L (Dr. Peter Attia, 24:31), so it sits above that line. The same quote calls 50 to 100 a gray area.
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.