Lipoprotein a: where are we now?
OBJECTIVE
To provide an update of the literature describing the link between lipoprotein a and vascular disease.


RESULTS
There is evidence that elevated plasma lipoprotein a levels are associated with coronary heart disease, stroke and other manifestations of atherosclerosis. Several mechanisms may be implicated, including proinflammatory actions and impaired fibrinolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Lipoprotein a potentially represents a useful tool for risk stratification in the primary and secondary prevention setting. However, there are still unresolved methodological issues regarding the measurement of lipoprotein a levels. Targeting lipoprotein a in order to reduce vascular risk is hampered by the lack of well tolerated and effective pharmacological interventions. Moreover, it has not yet been established whether such a reduction will result in fewer vascular events. The risk attributed to lipoprotein a may be reduced by aggressively tackling other vascular risk factors, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Tziomalos
Konstantinos
K
Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London, London, UK.
Athyros
Vasilios G
VG
Wierzbicki
Anthony S
AS
Mikhailidis
Dimitri P
DP
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D017270:Lipoprotein(a)