Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Isolation of High-density Lipoproteins for Non-coding Small RNA Quantification
Published on: November 28, 2016
To test, or not to test: that is the question for the future of lipoprotein(a)
Katrina L Ellis1,2, Anindita Chakraborty2, Eric K Moses1
1a Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia and School of Biomedical Sciences , Curtin University , Perth , Australia.
Insights
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a key risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), requires further research for targeted therapies. Current guidelines suggest screening for elevated Lp(a) in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant, heritable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
- Epidemiological, genetic, and animal studies confirm a causal link between elevated Lp(a) and increased ASCVD risk.
- Current therapies do not selectively target Lp(a), and clinical trials proving risk reduction are lacking, hindering routine screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the causal role of Lp(a) in ASCVD prevention.
- To discuss screening approaches and current guidelines for Lp(a) testing.
- To identify barriers to routine Lp(a) screening in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of genetic and animal model data.
- Examination of current clinical guidelines and screening strategies.
Main Results:
- Moderate evidence supports routine screening for elevated Lp(a).
- Current guidelines recommend Lp(a) testing for intermediate to high-risk ASCVD individuals.
- Barriers to routine screening persist despite evidence.
Conclusions:
- Elevated Lp(a) is a critical ASCVD risk factor.
- Further research is needed for targeted Lp(a) therapies and risk reduction strategies.
- Routine screening of Lp(a) requires addressing current clinical practice barriers.
Introduction:
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a potent, highly heritable and common risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Evidence for a causal association between elevated Lp(a) and ASCVD has been provided by large epidemiological investigations that have demonstrated a curvilinear association with increased risk, as well as from genetic examinations and cellular and transgenic animal studies. Although there are several therapies available for lowering Lp(a), none are selective for Lp(a) and there is no clinical trial data that has specifically shown that lowering Lp(a) reduces the risk of ASCVD. Hence, screening for elevated Lp(a) is not routinely incorporated into clinical practice. Areas covered: This paper reviews the current evidence supporting the causal role of Lp(a) in the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD, screening approaches for high Lp(a), current guidelines on testing Lp(a), and barriers to the routine screening of elevated Lp(a) in clinical practice. Expert opinion: At present, there is a moderate level of evidence supporting the routine screening of elevated Lp(a). Current guidelines recommend testing for elevated Lp(a) in individuals at intermediate or high risk of ASCVD.
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