Lipoprotein (a) consists of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the unique constituent apolipoprotein (a). Elevated plasma lipoprotein (a) level is an independent risk factor of atherosclerotic disorders and cardiovascular dis- ease. Lipoprotein(a) not only can participate in the formation of atheromatous plaque but also affect the anti-inflammatory mechanism and the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant agents of the blood vessel wall. Plasma lipoprotein (a) levels which are under strong genetic control can be quite differen...