Lp(a) and Cardiovascular Risk: Advancing Awareness, Testing, and Management in Clinical Practice : Episode 5

Opinion

Video

March 31, 2025

Lp(a) Levels: A Continuous Relationship With ASCVD Levels and Consistent Throughout a Lifetime

Author(s):

Nihar Desai, MD, MPH,Nathan Wong, PhD

Experts discuss the evidence supporting the continuous relationship between lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), as recognized by the National Lipid Association, and explore how Lp(a) levels may change throughout a person’s lifetime or in response to lifestyle factors.

EP: 1.Lp(a) in ASCVD and Guideline Recommendations

EP: 2.Introduction and Burden of Atherosclerotic Disease and Aortic Stenosis

EP: 3.The Role of Prevention in the Management of Atherosclerotic Disease and Aortic Stenosis

EP: 4.Studying the Association Between Elevated Lp(a) Levels and Risk of Atherosclerotic Disease

EP: 5.Lp(a) Levels: A Continuous Relationship With ASCVD Levels and Consistent Throughout a Lifetime

EP: 6.How the Genetic Nature of Lp(a) Levels Influences Screening

EP: 7.A Case Study of Elevated Lp(a) Levels and Increased ASCVD Risk

EP: 8.The Role of Management Guidelines in Formulary Decision-Making and Recent Lp(a) Recommendations

EP: 9.Evidence Supporting 2024 Guidance for Lp(a) Testing

EP: 10.Factoring Cost, Recommendations, and Evidence Into Formulary Decisions about Lp(a) Testing

EP: 11.Assessing the Quality of Recommendations and Making Clinical Decisions About Lp(a) Testing

EP: 12.FDA-Approved and Pipeline Treatments for Elevated Lp(a) Levels

EP: 13.The Benefits of Lp(a) Testing in the Absence of Lp(a)-Lowering Therapies

EP: 14.Results of Lp(a) Testing to Modify Risk Assessment and Optimize Treatment

EP: 15.Lp(a) Testing: Prevalence and Strategies to Improve Uptake

EP: 16.Implementing Lp(a) Testing in Health Systems: Lessons From Real-World Experience

EP: 17.Implementing Lp(a) Testing: Learning From LDL Testing and Considering Value-Based Care Models

EP: 18.Present and Looking to the Future: Lp(a) Testing and Atherosclerotic Disease Management

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Historically, Lp(a) levels of at least 125 nmol/L (or 50 mg/dL) have been considered elevated. However, the National Lipid Association—or NLA—now recognizes the relationship between Lp(a) and ASCVD to be continuous. Could you speak to the evidence supporting this conclusion?
How, if at all, do Lp(a) levels change throughout a person’s lifetime or in response to lifestyle factors?

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