Epidemiology
A lifespan review traces Lp(a)'s clinical relevance from early vascular dysfunction markers in children to MI, stroke and valve disease in adults (J Clin Med 2025)
Original title: Age-Dependent Clinical Relevance of Lipoprotein(a): A Comprehensive Review from Childhood to Adulthood
This comprehensive review examines how Lp(a)'s clinical relevance changes across the lifespan, from childhood through adulthood, despite plasma levels remaining relatively stable once established. In paediatric populations, elevated Lp(a) is linked to early indicators of vascular dysfunction and to conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia. In adults, elevated Lp(a) consistently predicts higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and calcific aortic valve disease, particularly when combined with other cardiovascular risk factors. The authors also discuss emerging Lp(a)-targeted therapies that could meaningfully alter long-term cardiovascular risk if started early in life, and argue for age-specific screening, monitoring and intervention strategies. They call for future research to identify high-risk paediatric populations, refine age-specific risk thresholds, and determine the optimal timing to start Lp(a)-directed therapy.
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has emerged as a significant independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). While plasma Lp(a) levels remain relatively stable throughout life, their clinical impact varies depending on age and concentration. This comprehensive review examines the age-dependent clinical relevance of Lp(a), from childhood through adulthood. In pediatric populations, elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with early indicators of vascular dysfunction and with conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). In adults, elevated Lp(a) is consistently linked to an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and calcific aortic valve disease, particularly in those with additional cardiovascular risk factors. We also discuss emerging therapies targeting Lp(a) that may significantly alter long-term cardiovascular risk if implemented early. Understanding the lifelong implications of elevated Lp(a) highlights the need for age-specific strategies for screening, monitoring, and intervention. Future research should prioritize identifying high-risk pediatric populations, refining risk thresholds, and determining optimal timing for therapeutic initiation to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.