#KnowLpa

A1: Lipoprotein(a) is a common risk factor for heart and valve disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and mortality. About 1 in 5 people have high levels of lipoprotein(a). @TheFHFoundation #knowlpa

A1:Checking Lp(a) with a simple blood test can be important for better understanding a patient’s risk for disease but also for planning how to modify their risk. #KnowLpa @TheFHFoundation

A2: #KnowLpa Lipoprotein(a) resembles LDL or “bad cholesterol”, and these two lipoproteins share pro-atherogenic properties.

A2: In addition, it is the major lipoprotein carrier of pro-inflammatory and pro-calcific oxidized phospholipids and uniquely contains a protein called apo(a) that facilitates the accumulation of lipoprotein(a) in blood vessels and valve tissues. #KnowLpa

A3 The major societal guidelines have provided recommendations on who should have lipoprotein(a) testing. There is agreement with at least a relative indication to check lipoprotein(a) in those with a personal or family history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. #Knowlpa

A3: Some guidelines recommend checking lipoprotein(a) at least once in all adults, to screen for those who have elevated levels. See table summarizing guideline recommendations. #KnowLpa #FindLpa

A4: Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and is passed down in families. It is inherited in an autosomal co-dominant manner, meaning that every first degree relative of someone with elevated lipoprotein(a) has a 50% chance of also having high levels.#KnowLpa

A5: If you have elevated lipoprotein(a), this information can be incorporated with your other risk factors to estimate your risk of developing disease. #KnowLpa

A5: One way to do this was described in the AHA Scientific Statement on Lipoprotein(a) with Gissette Reyes-Soffer. MD FAHA, Henry Ginsberg, Lars Berglund, Barton Duell, Sean P. Heffron MD, MS, MSc, Pia Kamstrup, Don Lloyd-Jones, Santica Marcovina and Marlys Koschinsky. #Knowlpa ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.11…

A5: Additional biomarkers and imaging also be helpful in fulling understanding risk in those with elevated Lp(a). Interventions, such as lifestyle modification and/or pharmacologic therapies can then be tailored based on your estimated overall risk. #KnowLpa

A6: Despite being first described by the geneticist Kare Berg in 1963, there remains so much more to understand about lipoprotein(a). #knowlpa

A6: Clinically, the most important questions are 1) how can we continue to improve risk prediction for those with elevated lipoprotein(a) and 2) does specific lipoprotein(a) lowering reduce cardiovascular disease risk? #KnowLpa

A7: There are exciting therapies currently in clinical trials that prevent the liver from making apo(a) and thereby reducing lipoprotein(a) levels by ~80% at optimal doses. Pelacarsen is currently in phase III and Oliparsiran in phase II clinical trials. #Knowlpa

A7: There is hope in the next ~3 years that safe, specific and potent therapies lowering lipoprotein(a) may become available. #KnowLpa

Happy Lp(a) Awareness Day! Thanks @TheFHFoundation for raising awareness! #knowlpa