Who should undergo testing for LDL cholesterol particle size and Lp(a) cholesterol levels?
The scientific analysis for the determination of LDL size and Lp(a) is relatively new and is not standardized from laboratory to laboratory. Thus, results will vary to some degree between different laboratories. Also, because the use of any specific laboratory test is not widespread, the cost of testing remains expensive. Because of the cost and variability of testing, a determination of these cholesterol components is not necessary for everyone. Currently, persons who have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease whose risk factor profile would not otherwise predict coronary artery disease at the age at which it occurred, should be tested for these more specific cholesterol components. For example, if heart disease occurs at a young age without high LDL levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cigarette smoking, the physician and patient may consider testing for another risk factor such as small LDL particle size or elevated Lp(a). Among persons without coronary heart disease, tho
