What is Lipoprotein(a)?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood. High levels of Lp(a) are a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, as it can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries.

Symptoms of High Lipoprotein(a) May Include:

• There are often no specific symptoms of high Lp(a) until a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.
• High Lp(a) is usually detected through blood tests during cardiovascular risk assessments.

Facts About Lipoprotein(a)

• High Lp(a) levels are found in about 1 in 5 people globally.
• Elevated Lp(a) is a significant, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, regardless of other cholesterol levels.

Who is at Risk for High Lipoprotein(a)?

Risk factors for high lipoprotein(a) may include:

• Genetics: Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics and can vary significantly between individuals.
• Sex: Men and women are equally likely to have high Lp(a) levels.
• Age: Lp(a) levels can be measured at any age, but the risk of cardiovascular events increases with age.
• Race or Ethnicity: African Americans typically have higher Lp(a) levels than Caucasians.
• Other Risk Factors: Family history of cardiovascular disease, especially at an early age, is a significant risk factor.

How Many Americans Have High Lipoprotein(a)?

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans has elevated Lp(a) levels, putting them at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Diagnosis & Management

High Lp(a) is diagnosed through a specific blood test that measures Lp(a) levels. Regular monitoring and cardiovascular risk assessments are important for individuals with high Lp(a).

Treatment Options for High Lipoprotein(a)

Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments

• Medications: Currently, no specific medications target Lp(a), but treatments like statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and niacin may help manage overall cardiovascular risk.
• Emerging Therapies: Research is ongoing to develop therapies that specifically target and lower Lp(a) levels.

Lifestyle Interventions

• Diet and Exercise: A heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity can help manage overall cardiovascular risk.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in people with high Lp(a).

Have You Been Diagnosed with High Lipoprotein(a)?

At Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research), our mission is to advance medical care for adults through innovative clinical research. You may be an eligible candidate for a clinical trial researching treatment options. For more information on currently enrolling clinical trials, click here.

Resources

• Lipoprotein (a) | American Heart Association
• Lipoprotein(a): What to know about elevated levels | NHLBI, NIH

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