Lp(a): A Toolkit for Health Care Professionals

4 An estimated 20% to 30% of people worldwide have high levels of plasma lipoprotein(a), which are independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, among other conditions. Yet, elevated Lp(a) calcific aortic valve disease gets the least clinical attention among health care professionals 1 compared to the three other major classes of lipid disorders: elevated low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); low high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and elevated triglycerides. 2 It’s important for clinicians to incorporate comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing, treating and managing elevated Lp(a) into patient evaluation and risk assessment. The clinical relevance of Lp(a) as a risk-enhancing factor and the importance of patient-health-care professional risk discussion is detailed in the 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. The guidelines also have implications for reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk through cholesterol management. 3 An estimated 20% to 30% of people worldwide have high levels of plasma lipoprotein(a)