Elevated Lp(a) and family history combine for a 43% higher cardiovascular risk than either alone, in 12,149 ARIC participants (J Am Coll Cardiol 2020)

Original title: Lipoprotein(a) and Family History Predict Cardiovascular Disease Risk

J Am Coll Cardiol · 18 August 2020 · 7

Mehta A, Virani SS, Ayers CR, Sun W, Hoogeveen RC, Rohatgi A, Berry JD, Joshi PH, Ballantyne CM, Khera A

Among 12,149 ARIC study participants (mean age 54 years, 56% women, 23% Black, 44% with family history of coronary heart disease), 3,114 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events occurred over 21 years of follow-up. Family history and elevated Lp(a) (highest race-specific quintile) were independently associated with ASCVD (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26; and HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.40, respectively), with no significant interaction between them (P=0.75). Compared with those with neither risk factor, patients with both elevated Lp(a) and family history had the highest ASCVD risk (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.27-1.62), with similar findings replicated for coronary heart disease and in an independent cohort, the Dallas Heart Study. Having both markers improved risk reclassification and discrimination more than either alone. The findings support jointly considering Lp(a) and family history to guide primary prevention decisions.

Original abstract

Background: Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and family history (FHx) of coronary heart disease (CHD) are individually associated with cardiovascular risk, and Lp(a) is commonly measured in those with FHx.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine independent and joint associations of Lp(a) and FHx with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and CHD among asymptomatic subjects.

Methods: Plasma Lp(a) was measured and FHx was ascertained in 2 cohorts. Elevated Lp(a) was defined as the highest race-specific quintile. Independent and joint associations of Lp(a) and FHx with cardiovascular risk were determined using Cox regression models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: Among 12,149 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) participants (54 years, 56% women, 23% black, 44% with FHx), 3,114 ASCVD events were observed during 21 years of follow-up. FHx and elevated Lp(a) were independently associated with ASCVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 1.26, and HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.40, respectively), and no Lp(a)-by-FHx interaction was noted (p = 0.75). Compared with subjects without FHx and nonelevated Lp(a), those with either elevated Lp(a) or FHx were at a higher ASCVD risk, while those with both had the highest risk (HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.62). Similar findings were observed for CHD risk in ARIC, in analyses stratified by premature FHx, and in an independent cohort, the DHS (Dallas Heart Study). Presence of both elevated Lp(a) and FHx resulted in greater improvement in ASCVD and CHD risk reclassification and discrimination indexes than either marker alone.

Conclusions: Elevated plasma Lp(a) and FHx have independent and additive joint associations with cardiovascular risk and may be useful concurrently for guiding primary prevention therapy decisions.

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