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Lipoprotein(a) Is Associated With Increased Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Pranav Sharma1, Renae Judy2, Shuai Yuan2
1Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
JACC. Basic to Translational Science
|January 7, 2026
Summary
Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study confirms a causal link, suggesting Lp(a) is a target for new AAA therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Lipidology
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined lipoprotein implicated in cardiovascular disease.
- Emerging therapies are targeting Lp(a) for risk reduction.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition with limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Lp(a) and AAA risk.
- To determine if the relationship between Lp(a) and AAA is causal.
- To evaluate Lp(a) as a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
Main Methods:
- UK Biobank analysis of 1,026 AAA cases and 469,989 controls.
- Multivariable Mendelian randomization to assess causality.
- Adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including apolipoprotein B (ApoB).
Main Results:
- Elevated Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with increased AAA risk.
- The association remained significant at clinically relevant Lp(a) thresholds.
- Multivariable Mendelian randomization confirmed a causal relationship between Lp(a) and AAA, independent of ApoB.
Conclusions:
- Lp(a) is a causal risk factor for AAA.
- Lp(a) represents a modifiable risk factor and a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
- Future clinical trials for Lp(a)-lowering therapies should consider AAA as an outcome.
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