Testing
It's time to test all adults for Lp(a), commentary on the 2026 ACC/AHA guideline (J Clin Lipidol 2026)
Original title: It's time to test all adults for lipoprotein(a)
Commentary arguing that the 2026 ACC/AHA/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline strengthens the international consensus that Lp(a) should be measured at least once in every adult. About one in five people have Lp(a) at or above the level clearly linked to higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis risk (50 mg/dL or more, or 125 nmol/L or more), yet recent studies show testing rates remain very low across the general population. The authors call for urgently expanded Lp(a) testing alongside research to close remaining knowledge gaps, address barriers to testing, and refine the clinical nuances of using Lp(a) results, as universal adult testing becomes the new standard.
Original abstract
The recent 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Multisociety Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia joins the growing international consensus that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] should be tested at least once in all adults. Despite the estimation that approximately 1 in 5 individuals have Lp(a) levels at or above those that are clearly associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis (≥50 mg/dL or ≥125 nmol/L), data from recent studies reveal very low testing rates across the general population. Thus, expanded Lp(a) testing is urgently needed. Along with guidance to test all adults for Lp(a), solutions are needed to help address remaining knowledge gaps, barriers to testing, and nuances in the clinical use of Lp(a). Studies designed to address these unmet needs should be prioritized as we enter the era of universal Lp(a) testing in adults.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.