Testing
Lp(a) screening moves toward routine clinical practice, review for advanced practice clinicians (JAAPA 2026)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) screening: Balancing benefits and challenges in clinical decision-making
Review for physician associates and nurse practitioners synthesising the biochemistry, pathophysiology, clinical significance, laboratory assessment, management options and emerging therapies for elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Lp(a) raises atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk independent of LDL-C, and major societies now broadly recognise it as an independent risk factor, recommending either universal or targeted screening in higher-risk groups. The author argues Lp(a) testing is ready for broader clinical implementation and that integrating it into routine practice can help identify patients at elevated cardiovascular risk and tailor preventive care accordingly.
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), independent of traditional risk factors such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Major societies now broadly recognize Lp(a) as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, recommending universal screening among adults or at least targeted screening among select higher-risk groups. This article synthesizes current knowledge of the biochemistry, pathophysiology, clinical significance, laboratory assessment, available management options, and emerging therapies for elevated Lp(a) levels. Many guidelines suggest that Lp(a) testing is ready for broader clinical implementation, and its integration into routine practice may assist health care providers in identifying individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk and tailoring preventive interventions accordingly.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.