Use of Lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association

Abstract

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-recognized, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with elevated levels estimated to be prevalent in 20% of the population. Observational and genetic evidence strongly support a causal relationship between high plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and valvular aortic stenosis. In this scientific statement, we review an array of evidence-based considerations for testing of Lp(a) in clinical practice and the utilization of Lp(a) levels to inform treatment strategies in primary and secondary prevention.

Keywords: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Biomarker; Calcific valvular aortic disease; Cardiovascular risk; Coronary heart disease; Cut points; Lifestyle; Lipoprotein(a); Lp(a); Myocardial infarction; Primary prevention; Scientific statement; Secondary prevention; Stroke; Treatment.