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Relation of small artery compliance and lipoprotein (a) in patients with atherosclerosis

Martin Schillinger1, Wolfgang Mlekusch, Markus Haumer

  • 1Department of Angiology, Medical Faculty, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. martin.schillinger@akh-wien.ac.at

American Journal of Hypertension
|November 21, 2002
PubMed

Insights

High lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels are linked to reduced small artery elasticity in patients with atherosclerosis. This association is particularly strong in nondiabetic individuals, suggesting Lp(a) may impair vascular function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is implicated in endothelial dysfunction and altered arterial properties.
  • Atherosclerosis patients may experience decreased arterial compliance due to Lp(a).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between arterial compliance and serum Lp(a) levels in patients with atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 118 atherosclerosis patients.
  • Noninvasive computerized pulse wave analysis to measure large and small artery elasticity indices.
  • Correlation analysis of compliance parameters with Lp(a) levels, adjusted for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Small artery elasticity index showed a significant inverse correlation with Lp(a) levels (r = -0.64, P <.001).
  • This association persisted after adjusting for multiple risk factors (r = -0.37, P <.0001).
  • Lp(a) explained ~60% of small artery compliance variation in nondiabetic patients (r = -0.76, P <.0001), but not in diabetic patients (r = -0.27, P =.09).
  • No correlation was observed between large artery elasticity and Lp(a).

Conclusions:

  • Small artery compliance is negatively correlated with Lp(a) in nondiabetic atherosclerosis patients.
  • Elevated Lp(a) may contribute to endothelial dysfunction, indicated by reduced small artery elasticity.
  • Vascular elastic properties in diabetic patients were not directly associated with Lp(a) levels.
Abstract

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