Testing
Nearly 30% of Irish lipid-clinic patients have Lp(a) above 125 nmol/L, largest Irish distribution study finds, with levels higher in women (Ir J Med Sci 2025)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) levels in Irish subjects from a specialised lipid centre
This retrospective study included all 2,762 patients with Lp(a) results from a specialised lipid centre laboratory between January 2021 and December 2022, of whom 1,899 also had a lipid profile; 85% (2,359) had Irish surnames and 60% (1,419) were male, with a mean age of 56 ± 17 years. Median Lp(a) across the whole cohort was 34.5 nmol/L (interquartile range under 20 to 153), significantly higher in women (37.3, under 20 to 169) than men (32.9, under 20 to 147, P = 0.029). Among the Irish-surname subgroup, 62.9% (1,738) had Lp(a) below 75 nmol/L, 7.56% (209) were between 75 and 125 nmol/L, and 29.5% (815) exceeded 125 nmol/L. As the largest Lp(a) distribution study in an Irish population, though drawn from a specialist lipid clinic rather than the general public, this reveals a positively skewed distribution and a substantial hidden high-risk group, and the authors call for more education to expand Lp(a) testing uptake.
Original abstract
Background: Lipoprotein(a) is a low-density lipoprotein-like particle covalently bound to apolipoprotein(a). It exhibits pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammatory effects and is an established independent monogenic determinant of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis [1-4].
Aims: To establish the Lp(a) distribution in a native Irish population and to explore if a certain lipid profile was associated with high Lp(a) level.
Methods: We retrospectively included all subjects with Lp(a) results tested in our laboratory between January 2021 and December 2022. Patients were divided into Irish and non-Irish name subgroups [16]. We analysed the Lp(a) distribution across lipidaemic subgroups. Statistical analyses were completed in Jamovi programme V2.3.26.
Results: In total 2762 patients of which 1899 had also a lipid profile. Eighty-five percent (n = 2359) of individuals had Irish surnames and 60% (n = 1419) were males. Mean age of all patients was 56 ± 17 years. The median lipoprotein(a) level was 34.5 nmol/L (interquartile interval < 20 to 153). The Lp(a) median in females was 37.3 (interquartile interval < 20 to 169) versus males 32.9 (interquartile interval < 20 to 147) (p = 0.029). A total of 62.9% (n = 1738) of Irish subjects had Lp(a) levels < 75 nmol/L, 7.56% of them (n = 209) between 75 and 125 nmol/L and 29.5% (n = 815) of subjects had Lp(a) > 125 nmol/L.
Conclusions: This is the largest study of Lp(a) distribution in an Irish population revealing positively skewed Lp(a) serum levels. This is not entirely reflective of the general population but brings to the fore the additional hidden high risks in those patients attending cardiovascular services. More education is needed to increase the use of Lp(a) measurements and guide further therapy.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.