Epidemiology
Lp(a) rises after 50 in women and 60 in men, Polish reference study of 1,046 adults and 276 children (Biochem Med Zagreb 2026)
Original title: Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations in presumably healthy Polish subjects in relation to age, sex, and cardiometabolic risk factors
Study of 1046 presumably healthy Polish adults and 276 children, measuring Lp(a) and its association with age, sex and cardiometabolic risk factors, alongside the proportion of apoB and LDL-cholesterol carried on Lp(a) (%Lp(a)/apoB, %Lp(a)-C/LDL-C). Lp(a) was significantly higher in adults than children (p=0.014) and in women than girls (p=0.003), with no overall sex difference; Lp(a) rose after age 50 in women and after age 60 in men, and %Lp(a)/apoB and %Lp(a)-C/LDL-C declined in men until their 40s before rising after 50 in both sexes. Higher LDL-C independently predicted Lp(a) 0.30 g/L or more in women (OR 1.77, p=0.021) and children (OR 2.83, p=0.009); boys had twice the odds of girls (OR 2.17, p=0.024). The authors conclude Lp(a) rises with age, especially after 50 in women and 60 in men, and its atherogenic proportion increases in older individuals, particularly men, supporting inclusion of Lp(a) in routine lipid profiling.
Original abstract
Introduction: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, primarily determined by genetic factors. This study assessed Lp(a) concentrations in presumably healthy subjects and evaluated its association with age, sex, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Materials And Methods: The study included presumably healthy 1046 adults and 276 children. Laboratory parameters: lipid profile, Lp(a), apolipoprotein B (apoB), glucose, HbA1c, C-reactive protein and creatinine were measured. Contributions of Lp(a)-apoB to apoB (%Lp(a)/apoB) and of Lp(a)-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol (%Lp(a)-C/LDL-C) were calculated.
Results: Lipoprotein(a) concentrations were significantly higher in adults than in children (P = 0.014) and in women than in girls (P = 0.003), but showed no overall sex differences. In women, Lp(a) was higher after age 50, while in men a slight rise occurred after age 60. Lipid indices %Lp(a)/apoB and %Lp(a)-C/LDL-C declined in men until their 40s and was higher after 50 in both sexes. In a multivariable logistic regression model increased LDL-C concentration was a significant predictor of Lp(a) ≥ 0.30 g/L in women (odds ratio, OR = 1.77; P = 0.021) and children (OR = 2.83; P = 0.009). Boys had twofold higher probability of Lp(a) ≥ 0.30 g/L than girls (OR = 2.17; P = 0.024).
Conclusions: Lipoprotein(a) concentrations increase with age, especially after 50 in women and 60 in men, and are significantly associated with LDL-C. Rising %Lp(a)/apoB and %Lp(a)-C/LDL-C alongside falling apoB and LDL-C suggest greater atherogenicity in older individuals, particularly men. These findings support including Lp(a) in lipid profile for better cardiovascular risk assessment.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.