Guidelines
The Beijing Heart Society issues an expert scientific statement on Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease specific to the Chinese population (JACC Asia 2022)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Population: A Beijing Heart Society Expert Scientific Statement
This expert scientific statement from the Beijing Heart Society synthesises evidence on Lp(a) as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease, that persists even when LDL cholesterol is effectively lowered. The statement addresses unresolved issues specific to clinical practice: genetic determinants, assay standardisation, which individuals to test, appropriate risk cutoffs, and clinical interventions. Noting that Lp(a) prevalence and its cardiovascular effects differ distinctively in the Chinese population compared with other groups, the expert committee compiles Chinese-population-specific Lp(a) data alongside international evidence to provide reference points for clinicians managing Lp(a)-related risk in China.
Original abstract
Elevated concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and so on. Emerging data suggest that Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk for cardiovascular events even in the setting of effective reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nevertheless, puzzling issues exist covering potential genetic factors, Lp(a) assay, possible individuals for analysis, a cutoff point of increased risk, and clinical interventions. In the Chinese population, Lp(a) exhibited a distinctive prevalence and regulated various cardiovascular diseases in specific ways. Hence, it is valuable to clarify the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular diseases and explore prevention and control measures for the increase in Lp(a) prevalence in the Chinese population. This Beijing Heart Society experts' scientific statement will present the detailed knowledge concerning Lp(a)-related studies combined with Chinese population observations to provide the key points of reference.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.