Testing
About 1 in 10 Finnish adults has elevated Lp(a), nationally representative survey of 5,484 (Lipids Health Dis 2026)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) levels in Finnish adults: distribution and associations with other cardiovascular risk factors and their awareness and control
Healthy Finland health examination survey (2023), a nationally representative sample of 5484 adults, characterising Lp(a) distribution (125 nmol/L cut-off) and its association with other cardiovascular risk factors and with awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidaemia. Mean Lp(a) was 41.7 nmol/L in men and 41.9 nmol/L in women; elevated Lp(a) was present in 11.0% of men and 10.4% of women, a lower prevalence than in many other European populations. Dyslipidaemia was more common with elevated Lp(a) (men 88.1% vs 78.4%, p=0.003; women 79.2% vs 73.2%, p=0.030), though this association reversed after correcting cholesterol for Lp(a); no association was found with other cardiometabolic risk factors. People with elevated Lp(a) had slightly better dyslipidaemia awareness and treatment but no difference in control. The authors call for comprehensive management of modifiable risk factors alongside Lp(a) awareness.
Original abstract
Background: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Because Lp(a)-lowering therapies are limited, prevention focuses on identifying individuals with elevated Lp(a) and optimizing other modifiable risk factors. We aimed to assess the distribution of Lp(a) levels in Finnish adults and examine its association with other CVD risk factors, as well as the awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia.
Methods: Data were derived from the Healthy Finland health examination survey conducted in 2023, comprising a nationally representative sample of 5,484 adults. Lp(a) levels were categorized using a cut-point at 125 nmol/L. Other CVD risk factors included were dyslipidemia, abnormal glucose metabolism, hypertension, and obesity. Analyses were weighted taking into account the sampling design and non-participation to provide nationally representative results.
Results: Mean Lp(a) levels were 41.7 nmol/L (95% CI 39.0-44.3) in men (M) and 41.9 nmol/L (39.7-44.1) in women (W). Elevated Lp(a) was observed in 11.0% of men and 10.4% of women. Dyslipidemia was more prevalent among individuals with elevated Lp(a) (M: 88.1% vs. 78.4% p = 0.003, W: 79.2% vs. 73.2% p = 0.030) but this association reversed after correcting cholesterol for Lp(a). No associations were found between Lp(a) and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Individuals with elevated Lp(a) had slightly lower unawareness (M: 42.3% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.180, W: 38.8% vs.48.4%, p = 0.042) and better treatment (M: 38.1% vs. 31.7%, p = 0.010, W: 29.2% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.090) of dyslipidemia than those with lower levels while no association was found between Lp(a) and dyslipidemia control (M: 81.4% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.520, W: 74.6% vs. 73.0%, p = 0.740).
Conclusions: Approximately one in ten Finnish adults had elevated Lp(a), a lower prevalence than in many other European populations but still affecting a substantial share of the population. Elevated Lp(a) was associated with higher prevalence of dyslipidemia prior to Lp(a) correction, but not with other CVD risk factors, and these individuals also showed slightly greater awareness and treatment of dyslipidemia. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive management of modifiable CVD risk factors to reduce the overall burden of CVDs.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.