Testing
Lp(a) does not predict early carotid thickening, suggesting a thrombotic rather than atherogenic mechanism, a Spanish study of 172 healthy adults (Eur J Prev Cardiol 2012)
Original title: Relationship between lipoprotein(a) concentrations and intima-media thickness: a healthy population study
This study measured Lp(a), lipids and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) by B-mode ultrasound in 172 asymptomatic subjects from Burgos, Spain, to test whether Lp(a) is associated with early atherosclerosis. No association was found between Lp(a) and left, right, or overall mean carotid IMT by univariate or multivariate analysis, and median IMT did not differ significantly between individuals with Lp(a) above or below 300 mg/L. The findings suggest elevated Lp(a) does not confer cardiovascular risk by promoting early atherogenesis, but rather by increasing susceptibility to thrombosis.
Original abstract
Background: High levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been linked to an increased risk of ischaemic cardiovascular events. We examined whether Lp(a) plasma levels are associated with early arteriosclerosis by measuring intima media thickness in an asymptomatic population of Burgos, Spain.
Methods: We determined lipids, lipoprotein(a) by a nephelometry method and the intima-media thickness (IMT) in the far wall of both common carotid arteries by B-mode ultrasound in a group of 172 asymptomatic subjects.
Results: No association was found in the population group between Lp(a) concentrations and left, right, or overall mean IMT by univariate or multivariate regression analysis. The median IMT was not significantly different in individuals with Lp(a) levels >300 mg/l and in individuals with Lp(a) levels <300 mg/l.
Conclusions: These results suggest that increased Lp(a) levels do not confer cardiovascular risk by promoting early atherogenesis, but rather increasing the susceptibility to thrombosis.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.