Testing
Review asks whether Lp(a) measurement is accurate enough yet to support large-scale outcome trials (Int J Cardiol 2024)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a): Are we ready for large-scale clinical trials?
This review addresses Lp(a) as an unaddressed 'residual risk' in current cardiovascular disease management, given its established status as an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis. It summarises Lp(a) particle structure, the current problems in accurately measuring plasma Lp(a) concentration in clinical practice, a prerequisite for reliable diagnosis and treatment of elevated levels, and reviews the effects of existing lipid-lowering therapies on Lp(a). The review frames measurement accuracy and standardisation as a foundational issue that must be resolved before the field can confidently interpret and act on results from the large-scale Lp(a)-lowering clinical trials now underway.
Original abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are currently the most important disease threatening human health, which may be due to the high incidence of risk factors including hyperlipidemia. With the deepening of research on lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been shown to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and calcified aortic valve stenosis and is now an unaddressed "residual risk" in current CVD management. Accurate measurement of Lp(a) concentration is the basis for diagnosis and treatment of high Lp(a). This review summarized the Lp(a) structure, discussed the current problems in clinical measurement of plasma Lp(a) concentration and the effects of existing lipid-lowering therapies on Lp(a).
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.