Lipoprotein (a) Levels Show Risk of Heart Disease

A new cholesterol study shows a strong correlation between high blood levels of lipoprotein (a), known as Lp(a), and coronary artery disease, indicating that people with high levels of Lp(a) have a 70% greater risk of developing heart disease than people with low levels. The study, conducted by researchers at Oxford University (UK), was published in the September 5 issue of Circulation.

The study was a compendium of 27 prospective studies relating to the association between blood levels of Lp(a) and coronary artery disease. The report included data on more than 5,400 cases of death from coronary artery disease or nonfatal heart attacks during a mean followup of 10 years.

Lp(a) has been characterized as the really bad cholesterol, and has been asssociated with increased risk of heart disease in numerous studies. However, Lp(a) is not included in routine cholesterol screenings, but this may change as improvements in testing methods become available.

Niacin is the only cholesterol agent that has been shown to significantly lower Lp(a) levels, according to Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Miami, FL, USA), which markets a product (Niaspan) whose active ingredient is niacin. The advantage of Niaspan, with its proven efficacy for HDL, triglycerides, and Lp(a), is that Niaspan complements the statins to provide the broadest possible protection to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, said Daniel M. Bell, president and CEO of Kos.