Lipoprotein(a) levels linked to increased stroke and cardiovascular risk

An analysis of data from three National Institutes of Health trials indicates that approximately one in five people may have elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic marker for cardiovascular risk. Individuals with high Lp(a) levels face a 64% higher risk of stroke and a 49% higher risk of cardiovascular death.

Despite these significant risks, fewer than 1% of people in the United States have been tested for high lipoprotein(a). Standard cholesterol panels typically do not include this marker. Because levels are largely determined by the LPA gene, even individuals with healthy lifestyles may be at risk without knowing it.

Lp(a) is a particle that carries cholesterol through the bloodstream. It contains an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a) that makes it stickier than standard LDL cholesterol, contributing to plaque buildup in arteries and potentially interfering with the body’s ability to dissolve blood clots.