Study Ties Lp(a) at 175 nmol/L to Higher Stroke and Death Risk in 20,070 Patients
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 10
Study Ties Lp(a) at 175 nmol/L to Higher Stroke and Death Risk in 20,070 Patients
1 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 10
Summary
20,070 patients from three NIH trials showed that Lp(a) levels of at least 175 nmol/L were independently linked to higher risk of major cardiovascular events over a median 3.98 years.
At that threshold, risk rose 31% for major events, 49% for cardiovascular death and 64% for stroke, while no significant increase was seen for heart attack.
The association was stronger in people who already had heart disease, with a hazard ratio of 1.30 versus 1.18 in those without existing disease.
About 1 in 5 people carry high Lp(a), a largely genetic cholesterol-related particle that can raise risk even when standard cholesterol results look normal, making a simple blood test a potential screen for hidden risk.
Researchers said patients with elevated Lp(a) may need more aggressive LDL lowering and risk-factor control, with targeted therapies still in development.