Lipoprotein(a) test
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is mostly set by your genes.
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Conditions · Dubai
High cholesterol: why LDL matters
LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol into the artery wall, where it builds plaque. Lowering LDL lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. European guidelines set LDL targets by your overall risk: the higher the risk, the lower the target. Dr Shady Habboush assesses and treats high cholesterol at Saudi German Hospital Dubai.
Dr Shady HabboushConsultant Interventional Cardiology · Saudi German Hospital Dubai2 min read4 sourcesMedically reviewed against ESC and NHS guidance
01
Signs worth a check
- LDL cholesterol that is high on a routine blood test
- Known heart disease, a previous heart attack, stent or stroke
- Diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure
- A family history of early heart disease or very high cholesterol (possible familial hypercholesterolaemia)
Risks and alternatives
Cholesterol medicines can have side effects. Muscle aches are the one people mention most often with statins, and they can usually be managed by changing the dose or the medicine, or by using another option. Your target and treatment are agreed with you, based on your own risk.
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How it is assessed
- 01
A lipid profile: LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. A fasting sample is not always needed.
- 02
An estimate of your overall heart risk, using your age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history.
- 03
Lipoprotein(a), measured at least once in adult life, adds to the risk picture. A level above 50 mg/dL (105 nmol/L) raises risk.
- 04
An LDL target agreed with you, and a plan to reach it.
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Treatment options
Diet and activity help everyone, though for many people they lower LDL only modestly. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for proven medicines.
Statins are the first-line medicine for most people. Ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and injectable medicines (PCSK9 inhibitors) can be added to reach the target. After a heart attack, a statin and ezetimibe are sometimes started together.
LDL is rechecked a few weeks after starting or changing treatment, then periodically.
LDL targets in the ESC/EAS guidelines (2019, kept in the 2025 update)
| Risk level | LDL target |
|---|---|
| Very high risk (for example after a heart attack or stent) | Below 1.4 mmol/L (55 mg/dL) and at least a 50% reduction |
| High risk | Below 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) and at least a 50% reduction |
| Moderate risk | Below 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) |
| Low risk | Below 3.0 mmol/L (116 mg/dL) |
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Questions about this
What is a good LDL level?
It depends on your risk. For people with established heart disease, European guidelines aim for LDL below 1.4 mmol/L (55 mg/dL). For people at low risk, the target is higher.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Usually not. A fasting sample may be requested if triglycerides are high.
Can I stop statins once my cholesterol is normal?
Usually not. The normal level is the effect of the medicine. Stopping it lets LDL rise again. Discuss any change with your doctor.
Should I test lipoprotein(a)?
European guidance (ESC/EAS) suggests measuring Lp(a) at least once in adult life, because a high level raises risk and is mostly inherited.
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Related guides
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the heart's arteries by fatty plaque.
Read the guideHigh blood pressure
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over years it strains the heart, arteries, kidneys and brain.
Read the guideSources
Medical facts on this page follow the sources below.
- NHS: High cholesterol
- 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J 2020
- 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J 2025
- Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: EAS consensus statement. Eur Heart J 2022
Medically reviewed against ESC and NHS guidance · Updated October 2026. General information, not medical advice.
Location and booking
Book a consultation
Appointments are made through Saudi German Hospital Dubai, Hessa Street, Al Barsha 3. Consultations in Arabic, English and German.
- Address
- Hessa Street, Al Barsha 3, Dubai
- Languages
- Arabic, English, German
Chest pain right now? Do not wait for an appointment. Call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.