New Initiative Aims to Increase Lp(a) Testing Among Adults
A groundbreaking study seeks to enhance lipoprotein(a) testing to better identify cardiovascular risks in adults.
One in five individuals has elevated Lp(a) levels, a significant cardiovascular risk factor.
The study, funded by Eli Lilly, will involve around 12,000 patients across UC San Diego and UC Irvine.
Innovative strategies, including AI technology, will be tested to improve Lp(a) testing in clinical practice.
A new initiative has been launched to increase testing for lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which affects approximately 20% of the population. Funded by a grant from Eli Lilly and Company to the University of California San Diego, this study aims to implement a comprehensive approach to identify individuals at risk of heart disease before any serious conditions develop.
The research team, comprising experts from UC San Diego and UC Irvine, is focusing on adults who have not yet shown signs of cardiovascular disease. This effort comes in light of updated national guidelines that recommend measuring Lp(a) levels at least once during adulthood, acknowledging its significant role in heart health. Elevated Lp(a) levels are primarily determined by genetics and remain stable throughout life, making a single blood test crucial for assessing long-term cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Ehtisham Mahmud, executive director of the Cardiovascular Institute at UC San Diego Health, emphasized the importance of recognizing elevated Lp(a) as a critical factor in cardiovascular risk. The study will explore practical strategies to facilitate Lp(a) testing in busy clinical settings, aiming to ensure that clinicians can easily incorporate this testing into their routine practices. The study will also analyze the effectiveness of various educational and technological interventions designed to promote Lp(a) testing.
The implications of this study extend beyond individual patient care. By identifying elevated Lp(a) levels early, healthcare providers can address other modifiable risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, potentially reducing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. The research also aims to leverage artificial intelligence to identify patients at risk by analyzing coronary artery calcium detected in chest CT scans, further enhancing the identification of those who may benefit from Lp(a) testing.
Over the next 18 months, the study will involve approximately 12,000 patients and will evaluate different strategies to improve Lp(a) testing. If successful, the findings could lead to broader implementation of these practices across various healthcare systems, ultimately aiming to make Lp(a) testing a standard part of cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
