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Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol, fats, and proteins in the blood. However, elevated levels of Lp(a) increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). , More specifically, it doubles the risk of ASCVD events, such as heart attack or stroke.,

Elevated Lp(a) is a genetically determined condition, which means it can be passed down in families.- Approximately, one in five individuals worldwide has elevated Lp(a) levels., 

Who should get tested for Lp(a)?

Most people do not know if they are at risk of elevated Lp(a) due to the lack of awareness and testing of this genetic condition. Nonetheless, it is important to know your Lp(a) levels as it can help you better understand your overall CVD risks, such as predisposition to premature or recurrent CVD events, and take action to benefit your overall health. -

 The test for elevated Lp(a) is a simple, reliable and non-fasting blood test which only needs to be done once.  , 

You should consider Lp(a) testing if you are at a higher risk of heart disease, such as those with: ,

  • A family history of elevated Lp(a) levels

  • A family history of ASCVD at an early age (under 55 years for men and under 65 years for women)

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)

  • A history of heart attack or stroke with no other associated risk factors, such as smoking, high LDL-C, diabetes or obesity

  • High LDL-C, even when taking medication to bring it down

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References

  1. Chakraborty A, Am J Prev Cardiol. 2022;10:100343

  2. AMA Style Insider. Condition, Disease, Disorder. Accessed February 2024. Available at: https://amastyleinsider.com/2011/11/21/condition-disease-disorder 

  3. Tsimikas S. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;69(6):692–711

  4. Tsimikas S et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;71:177–192

  5. Boerwinkle E, et al. J Clin Invest. 1992;90(1):52–60

  6. Kronenberg F. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2016;30(1):87–100

  7. Wilson DP et al. J Clin Lipidol. 2019;13(3):374-392

  8. Kronenberg F. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 2021;270:201-232

  9. Mehta A, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;76(7):781-793

  10. Arnold M, et al. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(22):2186–2196

  11. Wilson DP, et al. J Clin Lipidol. 2019;13(3):374–392

  12. Nordestgaard BG. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(13):1637–1646

  13. American College of Cardiology. Lipoprotein(a) in Clinical Practice. 2019. Accessed August 2020. Available at: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2019/07/02/08/05/lipoproteina-in-clinical-practice 

  14. Scientific American. Lipoprotein “Little A” Can Cause More Than a Little Damage to the Heart. 2019. Available at: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/lipoproten-little-a-can-cause-more-than-a-little-damage-to-the-heart/

KNOWING LP(A)

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