A recent review published in The Lancet reveals that one in five people worldwide is at risk for cardiovascular diseases due to high levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor that can be tested and treated.
Understanding Lipoprotein(a)
Approximately 20% of the global population carries a genetic predisposition to elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, which can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve stenosis. Lipoprotein(a) is recognized as the most common genetic cause of cardiovascular diseases.
Professor Børge Nordestgaard, a Clinical Professor at the University of Copenhagen and Chief Physician at Copenhagen University Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of awareness regarding lipoprotein(a). He compares its impact on cardiovascular diseases to the way smoking affects lung cancer. “Most people with high lipoprotein(a) are unaware of their condition. With new medications being developed to significantly lower these levels, it is crucial to identify those who would benefit,” he stated.
The Importance of Testing
Testing for lipoprotein(a) is straightforward and widely available. Professor Nordestgaard advocates for expanding testing globally, especially as clinical trials progress. “By increasing testing, we can identify individuals who are at risk and could benefit from medications that lower lipoprotein(a). Until these treatments are available, we can help manage high lipoprotein(a) levels through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing high cholesterol,” he added.
Advances in Treatment
Currently, five drugs are in development that can reduce lipoprotein(a) levels by 65% to 98%. Three of these are in phase 3 clinical trials, including innovative gene silencing therapies. Initial results indicating that lowering lipoprotein(a) can reduce cardiovascular diseases are expected to be published in 2026.
Conclusion
The findings from the review highlight the significant global risk associated with high lipoprotein(a) levels and the need for increased awareness and testing. With the potential for new treatments on the horizon, identifying individuals at risk could lead to better management of cardiovascular health worldwide.