# Lipoprotein(a) genetic cardiovascular risk research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lipoproteina-genetic-cardiovascular-risk-research
> Updated: 2026-09-28T23:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Analysis of data from three National Institutes of Health trials has identified lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), as a significant genetic marker for cardiovascular risk. Research indicates that approximately one in five people may have elevated levels of this particle, which is largely determined by the LPA gene rather than lifestyle factors.

High levels of Lp(a) are associated with a 64% higher risk of stroke and a 49% higher risk of cardiovascular death. The particle contains apolipoprotein(a), which makes it stickier than standard LDL cholesterol, contributing to arterial plaque buildup and potentially interfering with blood clot dissolution.

Despite these findings and updated guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommending lifetime testing, fewer than 1% of people in the United States have been tested for this specific marker, as it is typically not included in standard cholesterol panels.

A retrospective cohort study from the Mayo Clinic has expanded the known risks associated with the particle. Analyzing data from 69,214 patients between 1997 and 2026, researchers found that elevated Lp(a) levels are consistently associated with incident venous thromboembolism (VTE). Specifically, patients with levels of 50 mg/dL or higher exhibited a crude VTE rate of 2.8%, compared to 1.9% in those with lower levels. The study tracked documented cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), suggesting a link to venous events that was previously considered uncertain.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Mayo Clinic study links Lipoprotein(a) to venous thromboembolism risk

A Mayo Clinic study links elevated lipoprotein(a) levels to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayo-clinic-study-links-lipoproteina-to-venous-thromboembolism-risk

### 2026-09-26: Lipoprotein(a) levels linked to increased stroke and cardiovascular risk

A study of NIH trial data reveals that 1 in 5 people may have elevated lipoprotein(a), a genetic marker that significantly increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular death.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lipoproteina-levels-linked-to-increased-stroke-and-cardiovascular-risk

### 2026-09-23: Lipoprotein(a) identified as significant genetic risk factor for stroke

Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, driven largely by genetics, may increase stroke risk by 64% and cardiovascular death risk by 49%, prompting new medical guidelines for lifetime testing.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lipoproteina-identified-as-significant-genetic-risk-factor-for-stroke

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Cite as: Lipoprotein(a) genetic cardiovascular risk research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lipoproteina-genetic-cardiovascular-risk-research