Approved Research

Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Lay summary

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a particle which carries cholesterol in the blood. When present at elevated levels (roughly 35% of the world), Lp(a) is associated with increased risk for multiple cardiovascular diseases including heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. However, there are limited options for treatments for elevated Lp(a), which is primarily genetically determined. Additionally, risk scoring systems, which are currently used to determine the need for medications to prevent cardiovascular disease, do not take into account Lp(a). We aim to evaluate how current risk scoring systems would be improved with the addition of Lp(a) and whether currently available therapies, such as aspirin and anticoagulation medications, reduce risk in individuals with elevated Lp(a). We also seek to better understand Lp(a). It is known to vary by race/ethnicity, but it is not known whether it is associated with disease at different levels in various races/ethnicities. We aim to evaluate the association between Lp(a) levels and disease specific to racial/ethnic groups. Lp(a) may also contribute to statin resistant, or inadequate lowering of cholesterol with statin medications. We aim to understand this further as well. The findings of our studies may impact millions to billions of people given the high prevalence of elevated Lp(a) and the importance of these questions.