Strategies for management of patients with elevated lipoprotein(a)

There is growing literature that supports the testing of Lp(a). However, few patients are tested, including those with a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One often noted barrier to more widespread testing is uncertainty regarding what to do with an elevated Lp(a) level. Although guidelines vary, there is agreement on the use of Lp(a) as a risk enhancer to guide medical care and shared decision-making. This review will discuss a clinical approach with supporting evidence for management of patients with elevated Lp(a).

At the minimum, elevated Lp(a) increases cardiovascular risk and can be incorporated into existing risk stratification paradigms. The cornerstone of management is aggressive management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). More recent studies have highlighted the potential role for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), aspirin in primary prevention, and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy in secondary prevention.

Although there is optimism for Lp(a)-targeted therapies in the near future, an elevated Lp(a) level is actionable today, and uncertainty regarding the management of patients with elevated Lp(a) should not be a barrier to more widespread testing.