4 An estimated 20% to 30% of people worldwide have elevated levels of plasma lipoprotein(a) An estimated 20% to 30% of people worldwide have elevated levels of plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] which is independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including myocardial infarction (MI), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and stroke.1 In addition, elevated Lp(a) is a strong predictor of the presence and progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD).1 Yet, Lp(a) gets the least attention among clinicians compared with the three other major classes of lipid disorders: z elevated low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) z low high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) z elevated triglycerides 2,3 It’s important for clinicians to incorporate comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and managing elevated Lp(a) into patient evaluation and risk assessment. The clinical relevance of Lp(a) as a risk-enhancing factor and the importance of patient-healthcare professional risk discussions is detailed in the 2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/ AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. The guideline also has implications for reducing CVD risk through cholesterol management.4
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