Genetics
Black populations of Sub-Saharan descent have higher Lp(a) than Whites, yet remain underrepresented in Lp(a) research, a review (Curr Opin Lipidol 2021)
Original title: The impact of race and ethnicity on lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular risk
This review by Reyes-Soffer examines how race and ethnicity affect Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular risk. Lp(a), an apoB100-containing lipoprotein bound to the glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a), is genetically determined and an established causal cardiovascular risk factor, but levels differ across racial groups, with Black populations of Sub-Saharan descent showing higher Lp(a) than White populations. The author notes that minority populations remain underrepresented in published Lp(a) research, and that a lack of standardisation across commercial Lp(a) assays makes individual risk assessment difficult, with risk appearing concentrated in the upper percentiles of the population regardless of race. A recent UK Biobank study is cited as highlighting racial differences in Lp(a) levels and increased cardiovascular risk across all races. The review calls for more studies in racially diverse cohorts to determine whether minority populations face disproportionately higher Lp(a)-related risk.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a plasma circulating apoB100 (apoB) containing lipoprotein. It has a unique glycoprotein bound to the apoB100, apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. The majority of the population expresses two apo(a) isoforms, when bound to apoB100 they create two circulating Lp(a) particles. Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and epidemiological studies have established elevated levels of Lp(a) to be a causal risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lp(a) levels differ across racial groups and Blacks of Sub-Saharan decent have higher levels when compared to white. In comparison to white populations, studies in minorities are less represented in the published literature. Additionally, there is a lack of standardization in the commercial assays used to measured Lp(a) levels, and hence it is difficult to assess risk based on individual Lp(a) levels, but risk seems to occur in the upper percentiles of the population.
Recent Findings: A recent study using data from the UK biobank highlights the racial differences in Lp(a) levels and the increase risk in CVD amongst all races.
Summary: This review will highlight Lp(a) biology and physiology with a focus on available data from racially diverse cohorts. There is a need to perform studies in diverse populations to understand if they are at higher risk than whites are.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.