Apolipoproteins and Heart Disease

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lipid-protein complex involved in the transport of cholesterol in the circulation. Scandinavian researchers reported in 1963 that men with high levels of Lp(a) were more susceptible to coronary artery disease (CAD) than men with low levels. Unfortunately, these findings were ignored for more than 20 years because of difficulties in testing for Lp(a). Then 8 years ago, American researchers began reexamining Lp(a). They have since found that a high plasma concentration of Lp(a) is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic and thrombotic vascular disease -- including CAD, myocardial infarction, restenosis of coronary artery grafts, carotid atherosclerosis, and stroke -- and that this risk is independent of age, diet, physical activity, smoking status, ethanol consumption, and sex. Population studies indicate that abnormal plasma levels of Lp(a) may cause up to 25% of premature MIs. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are also associated with significant carotid atherosclerosis, even in the absence of clinical heart disease.
source:Schreiner PJ et al. Arterioscler Thromb.