Guidelines recommend Lp(a) screening but treatment options remain scarce, a review of Lp(a) as an independent cardiovascular risk marker (Clin Diabetes Endocrinol 2016)

Original title: Lipoprotein (a), an independent cardiovascular risk marker

Clin Diabetes Endocrinol · 1 January 2016 · 5

Saeedi R, Frohlich J

This review by Saeedi and Frohlich examines Lp(a) as a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor, mediated by both proatherogenic and prothrombotic mechanisms. Several guidelines recommend screening Lp(a) levels, yet few treatment options exist for managing elevated Lp(a). The authors highlight promising new medications under development, including PCSK9 inhibitors, apolipoprotein(a) antisense, and the apolipoprotein B-100 antisense drug mipomersen, concluding Lp(a) reduction will remain an active area of investigation.

Original abstract

Epidemiological and genetic studies have identified elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) ((Lp(a)) as a causal and independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Lp(a)-induced increased risk of CVD may be mediated by both its proatherogenic and prothrombotic mechanisms. Several guidelines recommend screening of Lp(a) level; however, there are few treatment options for the management of patients with elevated Lp(a). Several new medications for Lp(a) are under development. PCSK9 inhibitors, apolipoprotein (a)-antisense, and apolipoprotein(B-100)-antisense mipomersen have shown promising results. Lp(a) reduction will continue to be an active area of investigation.

Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.