Related Experiment Videos

Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk: Emerging Therapeutic Perspectives with Implications for Chronic Kidney

Luca Di Lullo1, Paola Peverini2, Antonio Bellasi3

  • 1Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda USL Roma 6, Ariccia, Italy, dilulloluca69@gmail.com.

Cardiorenal Medicine
|July 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease, should be measured once in adulthood. New therapies lower Lp(a), but cardiovascular outcome data are pending.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like particle linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • Elevated Lp(a) is a genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis.
  • Lp(a) measurement is recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment, especially in individuals with suboptimal LDL-cholesterol control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • To discuss the current understanding of Lp(a) genetics and its limited modifiability by lifestyle or conventional therapies.
  • To highlight emerging Lp(a)-lowering therapies and the need for outcome data.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease and CKD.
  • Analysis of current guidelines regarding Lp(a) measurement.
  • Overview of novel Lp(a)-lowering therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis.
  • Lp(a) levels are primarily inherited and minimally affected by lifestyle or standard lipid-lowering treatments.
  • Lp(a) may increase in chronic kidney disease, contributing to cardiovascular risk, though the causal link is not fully established.

Conclusions:

  • Measuring Lp(a) is crucial for refining cardiovascular risk assessment in adults.
  • Novel therapies show promise in reducing Lp(a) levels, but clinical outcome data are essential.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the causal role of Lp(a) in CKD-related cardiovascular events.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular riskChronic kidney diseaseLipoprotein(a)RNA-based therapies

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
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...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...