Transcript
Did you know that estimates indicate that 20% of the world’s population has an elevated level of lipoprotein little a, and the standard lipid panel does not include Lp(a) testing. This means that one in five individuals may be walking around with an unidentified increased, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Lp(a) is genetically determined, which means it can be elevated regardless of one’s healthy lifestyle. Many individuals with elevated levels are asymptomatic all the while experiencing increased plaque buildup, which narrows their arteries. This is why screening is recommended by the American Heart Association in certain patients like those with a family medical history of either premature cardiovascular disease or increased Lp(a) levels.
Some experts even recommend everyone be screened, and although there is not a FDA approved medication to lower Lp(a) there’s still a lot we can do for our patients. Like counseling them to reduce other modifiable risk factors of ASCVD, such as using known primary prevention medications like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors to lower their overall risk.
If you want to learn more about this, often overlooked little lipoprotein, come have a listen to the Core IM 5 Pearls Podcast, episode number 174.
Full Podcast
Behind the Scenes Interviews
Lipoprotein(a): Nuances, Counseling, and Novel Treatments! Behind the Scenes