Emory Healthcare cardiologists announced on Mar. 24 that a simple blood test can identify adults at increased genetic risk for heart disease by measuring Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), levels.
The announcement matters because elevated Lp(a) is a silent but significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and aortic valve disease. Many people may not know they are at risk unless they are tested, which could help with early intervention and prevention strategies.
Anurag Mehta, MD, cardiologist at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, said less than one percent of adults currently get tested for Lp(a), even though one in five has elevated levels. “This simple blood test can be requested at a person’s appointment with their clinician and is also available as an on-demand direct to consumer test. It gives us important clues into their genetic risk and allows us to get ahead and start mitigating that risk,” said Mehta.
Ijeoma Isiadinso, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of preventive cardiology at Emory Healthcare, addressed the value of knowing one’s results: “Although this is a genetic risk for heart disease, it does not mean that there is nothing you can do if you have elevated lp (a). In fact, this is where prevention can have a great impact and treating cardiovascular risk factors can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.”
Cardiologists at Emory are leading several clinical trials to see if lowering Lp(a) will reduce cardiovascular events. Isiadinso encouraged families to discuss results together: “In addition to knowing one’s risk, cascade screening which involves testing of first-degree relatives of those with elevated lp (a), can identify family members who are unknowingly at increased risk for heart disease and provides them an opportunity to lower their risk as well.”
Mehta explained the importance further: “Lipoprotein (a) is a silent risk factor, and many will never know they have it without taking a blood test.”
Kelly Baranovic shared her experience after learning she had high Lp(a) following her sister’s suggestion due to their family history. Her father died young from a heart attack despite Baranovic living an active lifestyle with normal lab results otherwise. “I was petrified, in shock really,” said Baranovic. “It just goes to show that you can be healthy and still be at risk.” She now manages her condition through lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering medication while awaiting new treatments under study.
Baranovic added: “I’m grateful to know. I told all my friends to go and get tested.” Clinical trials aiming for FDA-approved therapies are ongoing.
