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Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] Unit Converter
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle bound to a unique protein, apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Lp(a) is strongly linked to inflammation and is recognized as an independent, causal, and genetically determined risk factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) and aortic valve stenosis. [Image of Lipoprotein (a) structure]
Measurement of Lp(a) is recommended at least once in a lifetime for cardiovascular risk assessment. Because the apo(a) protein structure varies widely between individuals, the molar unit (nmol/L) is preferred for clinical risk stratification, as it accounts for the variability that mass units (mg/dL) do not.
SI Units / Molar
RecommendedNanomoles per liter (Standard International).
Mass Equivalents
Clinical Context
Risk Thresholds (EAS/AHA Consensus):
• Elevated Risk: > 50 mg/dL or > 125 nmol/L
• Very High Risk: > 180 nmol/L
Because of the genetic variability in the Lp(a) particle, the European Atherosclerosis Society strongly recommends reporting and interpreting levels in nmol/L. The conversion factor used is a clinical consensus approximation: 1 mg/dL ≈ 2.5 nmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., nmol/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time using the established 1 mg/dL ≈ 2.5 nmol/L factor.
Verify Units
The nmol/L unit provides the most standardized measure for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Yes. 1 mg/L is exactly equal to 1 µg/mL.
The core structural protein of Lp(a) is highly variable in size. Molar units (nmol/L) measure the number of particles, offering a more consistent measure of risk than mass units (mg/dL), which can be skewed by the protein’s varying weight.