Despite decades of progress in identifying cardiovascular risk factors and prevention efforts, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide.1 A growing body of evidence has underscored the role of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in CVD risk. In addition to its independent contribution to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and aortic valve calcification, high Lp(a) levels can also exacerbate the impact of more well-known CVD risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, and obesity.2
A neglected risk factor
While an estimated 1 in 5 people worldwide live with high Lp(a), it is generally under-recognized as a CVD risk factor.3 Unlike modifiable lifestyle factors contributing to CVD risk, genetics determine up to 90% of individual variation in plasma Lp(a) levels, and they cannot be reduced through diet, exercise,…