Published: 16:45 BST, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 16:47 BST, 15 August 2026
It is a silent genetic condition affecting millions of people in the UK, dramatically increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Yet vanishingly few have ever heard of it.
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of ‘bad’ cholesterol that causes no symptoms and is not detected by the standard tests offered by GPs.
Around one in five people inherit high levels, often without knowing, and many are not diagnosed until they suffer a serious cardiovascular event.
Some die without ever discovering they were living with the hidden risk.
Last week, The Inbetweeners star James Buckley revealed on his podcast he is among those with dangerously high Lp(a) levels, after a blood test uncovered the condition.
Speaking on The Buckleys, which he hosts with his wife Clair, the actor said: ‘I’m at a high risk now for a cardiovascular incident. I’m not a religious man, but sometimes I feel like there is a God that sort of goes, “That’ll teach you.”
‘There’s nothing you can do about it, by the way. And the doctor’s just been like, “You need to change.” ’
Last week The Inbetweeners star James Buckley revealed on his podcast he is among those with dangerously high Lp(a) levels
As James points out, there is no medication which can treat the condition. Since being diagnosed, he has instead overhauled his lifestyle, including cutting back on alcohol.
But how much difference can this actually make? And could you be among the millions of people to inherit high levels of Lp(a) without knowing it?
Here, our experts tell you everything you need to know about the condition, the new drugs in the pipeline and – if you do have it – how to manage it to significantly reduce your risk.
Lp(a) is a type of cholesterol particle made naturally by the liver. Scientists believe it may play a role in helping repair damaged blood vessels and aid wound healing, meaning everyone has some in their bloodstream.
The problem is that about one in five people inherit genes that cause them to produce far more Lp(a) than normal. Unlike LDL – or low-density lipoprotein – the more familiar ‘bad’ cholesterol that is largely influenced by diet and lifestyle, Lp(a) levels are almost entirely determined by genetics.
At high levels, Lp(a) behaves much like LDL, sticking to artery walls where it fuels inflammation and the build-up of fatty plaques that narrow blood vessels and raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It may also make blood more likely to clot, further increasing cardiovascular risk.
