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Imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis aids risk stratification in patients with elevated Lp(a) (J Clin Lipidol 2026)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) and subclinical atherosclerosis
A literature review summarises evidence linking elevated Lp(a) to subclinical atherosclerosis, including coronary artery calcium, coronary computed tomography angiography plaque, and carotid artery plaque. The association is stronger for noncalcified coronary plaque than calcified plaque. Coronary artery calcium scoring demonstrates utility for risk stratification in individuals with elevated Lp(a), whereas the role of coronary computed tomography angiography and carotid imaging for primary prevention risk stratification remains to be established. This review consolidates imaging data to support Lp(a)-guided vascular screening.
Original abstract
Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Sources Of Material: Literature review.
Abstract Of Findings: A large body of evidence has established the association between Lp(a) and subclinical atherosclerosis. In particular, Lp(a) is associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC), coronary artery plaque identified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and carotid artery plaque. Lp(a) is more strongly associated with noncalcified coronary artery plaque than calcified plaque. In addition, CAC scoring has demonstrated utility for risk stratification among individuals with elevated Lp(a). The role of CCTA and carotid imaging to risk-stratify individuals with elevated Lp(a) in a primary prevention setting remains to be established.
Conclusions: Lp(a) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, and imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis is useful for risk-stratifying individuals with elevated Lp(a).
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Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 16 September 2026. Methods.