This assay provides additional information on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk in patients known or suspected to be at increased risk based on factors like family history of premature CHD or Stroke, Hypertension, Cigarette smoking, Obesity, Diabetes mellitus, increased levels of LDL and decreased levels of HDL. High levels of Lp(a) increase cardiovascular risk 2-3 fold. Lp(a) behaves like an acute phase protein and should not be measured during periods of active inflammation and for at least 1 month after Myocardial infarction or Stroke.