A study involving more than 20,000 people has shown that high levels of lipoprotein(a), which is largely determined by genetics, are linked to an increased risk of stroke and death from cardiovascular disease, reports infohub.kz.
Scientists found that elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), may be associated with an additional risk of serious cardiovascular complications that is not always detected by standard cholesterol tests. Experts estimate that high Lp(a) levels may occur in about one in five people.
Lp(a) is a particle that carries cholesterol in the blood. It is similar to low-density lipoproteins, known as "bad" cholesterol, but contains an extra protein. Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetic factors and usually do not cause noticeable symptoms.
The researchers analyzed previously collected plasma samples from 20,070 participants in three major U.S. National Institutes of Health studies: ACCORD, PEACE, and SPRINT. The average age of participants was 65.2 years, and 64.9% were men. During a follow-up period of about four years, 1,461 serious cardiovascular events occurred.
Participants with Lp(a) levels of at least 175 nmol/L had a 31% higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, a 49% higher risk of cardiovascular death, and a 64% higher risk of stroke. However, elevated Lp(a) was not associated with an increased risk of heart attack.
The association was stronger among people who already had cardiovascular disease. The researchers note that Lp(a) levels can be determined with a simple blood test. If levels are elevated, patients are advised to work with their doctor to control other risk factors, particularly LDL cholesterol.
The results were presented at the scientific session of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions in Montreal. One of the study's authors is interventional cardiologist Subhash Banerjee from Baylor Scott & White in Dallas.