4 An estimated 20% to 30% of people worldwide have high 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. In addition, elevated Lp(a) is a strong predictor of the presence and progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). 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 triglycerides1 ,2 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-health care professional risk discussions is detailed in the 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. The guidelines also have implications for reducing CVD risk through cholesterol management.3 Scan to view a video on the impact of Lp(a).
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