We utilized data from a national survey of over 30,000 persons age 1 year and older with extensive blood lipid data to examine correlates of Lp(a) in children and adolescents and specifically to determine whether: [1] ethnic differences in shape of Lp(a) distributions seen in adults are also seen as early as age 4 in children; [2] family history of cardiovascular disease is associated with higher levels of Lp(a); [3] the effects of ethnicity and family history of CVD on the levels of Lp(a) are influenced by low birth weight, other personal, behavioral or environmental variables. This evidence concerns the gene LPA and cardiovascular disorder.