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NLA scientific statement: use of Lp(a) in clinical practice, a biomarker whose time has come (Wilson et al., J Clin Lipidol 2019)
Original title: Use of Lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association
The National Lipid Association's first full statement on Lp(a): an independent, causal risk factor prevalent in about 20 percent of the population, with recommendations on whom to test (family history, premature ASCVD, FH, aortic stenosis, recurrent events) and how to use the result in primary and secondary prevention, before specific therapy existed. Updated in 2024 (Koschinsky et al.).
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-recognized, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with elevated levels estimated to be prevalent in 20% of the population. Observational and genetic evidence strongly support a causal relationship between high plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and valvular aortic stenosis. In this scientific statement, we review an array of evidence-based considerations for testing of Lp(a) in clinical practice and the utilization of Lp(a) levels to inform treatment strategies in primary and secondary prevention.
consensusepidemiologygeneticsguidelinesrisk predictionstroketesting
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.