Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.9K

Lipoprotein(a) and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bartosz Maj1,2, Michal Pruc2, Pawel Czubak3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Health Center of Tomaszow Mazowiecki, 97-200 Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|November 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Further research is needed to confirm this association and explore Lp(a)-lowering treatments for AF prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major global health concern and the most common prolonged cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a genetically determined lipoprotein linked to cardiovascular disease, with a potential but unconfirmed role in AF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze observational studies assessing the relationship between circulating lipoprotein(a) levels and atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
  • Searches conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar) up to September 2025.
  • Included observational studies comparing Lp(a) levels in adults with and without AF.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant elevation in circulating Lp(a) concentrations was observed in AF patients compared to controls (pooled MD = 2.81; 95%CI: 1.58-4.05; p < 0.0001).
  • Significant associations were found in subgroup analyses by geographical region (Asia, Europe/USA).
  • High heterogeneity (I² = 99%) was noted, though sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of the overall effect.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between elevated lipoprotein(a) and atrial fibrillation.
  • The certainty of evidence is rated as very low (GRADE methodology).
  • Large, prospective, multi-ethnic studies are required to establish causality, improve risk stratification, and evaluate Lp(a)-lowering therapies for AF.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationbiomarkerscardiovascular riskinflammationlipoprotein(a)meta-analysissystematic review

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.3K
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
307
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
853
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
200
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
450
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
333