Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk

Clinical Implications and Management

• The American College of Cardiology guidelines suggest that Lp(a) contributes to cardiovascular disease through pro-inflammatory effects, pro-thrombotic mechanisms, and LDL-like atherogenic properties—not through blood pressure elevation 1, 2
• Patients with both elevated Lp(a) and elevated LDL cholesterol face a high risk of myocardial infarction, with a 10-fold or higher risk 4
• The European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology recommend aggressive management of both Lp(a) and hypertension in high-risk individuals, with LDL-C targets <70 mg/dL 4, 5

Diagnostic Considerations

• Measuring Lp(a) is considered in hypertensive patients with premature cardiovascular disease, family history of premature CAD, or recurrent events despite optimal therapy 4, 6