Testing
Real-world data on how elevated Lp(a) patients are actually managed remains scarce, review argues for national and international registries (Curr Opin Lipidol 2025)
Original title: The need for national and international registries of patients with elevated lipoprotein(a)
This review by Kramer, Iatan and Brunham addresses a gap in current Lp(a) knowledge: despite guidelines recommending universal one-time Lp(a) testing and intensified risk-factor management for those found elevated, there is a paucity of real-world data on how patients with elevated Lp(a) are actually managed and what cardiovascular risk they carry in practice. The authors discuss recent progress in establishing dedicated Lp(a) registries across multiple countries, which are expected to provide a snapshot of the global burden of elevated Lp(a) and current treatment patterns. They conclude that elevated Lp(a) remains common but underdiagnosed, and that national and international registries are needed to expand understanding of the condition and improve its treatment.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Current guidelines recommend universal testing of Lp(a) once in an individual's lifetime, with risk factor management intensification for those with elevated levels. However, there is a paucity of real-world data about how patients with elevated Lp(a) are managed and about their associated cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent progress in the establishment of registries of patients with elevated Lp(a).
Recent Findings: Multiple registries that include patients with elevated Lp(a) have been established in various countries. These studies will provide a snapshot of the global burden of this condition and the current patterns of treatment of this patient population.
Summary: Elevated Lp(a) is a common but underdiagnosed risk factor for ASCVD. National and international registries are needed to expand our understanding and improve the treatment of this condition.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.