The Hidden Red Flag in Heart Attack Risk Assessment

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a genetic risk factor that greatly increases the chances of a heart attack when present in high levels in the blood. Lp(a) causes atherosclerosis, inflammation, and increases the risk of clotting, making it a triple threat for heart disease. Approximately 20% of the population, particularly Black and South Asian Americans, are at risk due to Lp(a), yet fewer than 1% of Americans have had their levels checked. While there is currently no therapeutic available to directly reduce Lp(a), testing levels can help individuals mitigate overall cardiovascular risk by focusing on reducing other risk factors. Researchers are working on developing drugs to treat high Lp(a) levels, and clinical trials are underway.