Lipoprotein(a): The Hidden Genetic Risk for Heart Disease

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Lipoprotein(a) is a lipid particle and a common genetic cause of cardiovascular diseases. 20% of the world population carries this genetic risk factor ().

It is responsible for causing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve stenosis.

Expanding Global Testing for Lipoprotein(a) to Identify High-Risk Individuals

First author Professor B�rge Nordestgaard, Clinical Professor at the University of Copenhagen and Chief Physician at Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, says, "It's high time we identify individuals who would benefit from the new medication that is underway that lowers the amount of the lipid particle significantly." Professor Nordestgaard recently published a comprehensive ABC on lipoprotein(a) in cardiovascular disease in the journal The Lancet.

‘Did You Know?
Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels directly cause cardiovascular diseases, just as cigarettes cause lung cancer. #cardiovasucular_disease #lipoprotein #genetherapy #medindia’

The technology used for testing for lipoprotein(a) is readily available and easy to use, so while the clinical trials are underway, it makes sense to expand testing globally, says B�rge Nordestgaard.

"By expanding testing, we can figure out who carries it and would benefit from lipoprotein(a)-lowering medication. Until the medication becomes available, we can use this knowledge to take better care of individuals with high concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in their blood. The main factors here are making sure to exercise, eating healthy, avoiding smoking and being overweight, and treating high cholesterol levels."

Five New Drugs in Development to Lower Lipoprotein(a) Levels

Five drugs are currently in development that can lower the amount of lipoprotein(a) by 65 to 98 %, three of which are in phase 3 clinical trials. One of the new medications under development is so-called gene silencing therapy.

"The medication is injected and then absorbed by the liver cells, inhibiting the production of the lipoprotein(a) and significantly reducing the amount of the lipid particles in the blood and presumably the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases," says B�rge Nordestgaard.

The first results showing that a reduction of lipoprotein(a) will reduce cardiovascular diseases are expected to be published in 2026.

Reference:

1. Significant global cardiovascular risk linked to high lipoprotein(a) levels - (https:www.news-medical.net/news/20240912/Significant-global-cardiovascular-risk-linked-to-high-lipoprotein(a)-levels.aspx)

Source: Eurekalert