| Lipoprotein A {Lp(a)} is a unique lipoprotein particle composed of an LDL particle onto which a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein termed apo (a) is linked via a disulphide bridge. High concentrations of Lp(a) have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, possible because of the homology of apo (a) with plasminogen. Concentrations of Lp(a) are highly heritable and less affected by environmental factors than are other lipoproteins. |