BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a liver-derived lipoprotein with genetically determined concentrations. High level of lipoprotein(a) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Higher plasma Lp(a) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), through mechanisms associated with increased atherogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis.
METHODS: The study enrolled patients ≤ 55 years of age referred to Cardiology Department of Policlinico Casilino with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In order to identify patients with high cardiovascular risk, we measured, according to current guidelines, Lp(a) value.
RESULTS: A total of 73 patients (84% males, mean age 47±7 years old) were enrolled from July 2020 to March 2022. Mean Lp(a) level was 50.9± 46.7 mg/dL. High Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL was documented in 31.5 % of patients, while the interim grey zone of elevated Lp (a) (30–50 mg/dL) in 27.4%.
CONCLUSION: In our experience, elevated levels of Lp(a) was documented in more than half of patients, presenting with ACS at a relatively young age. This support recent guidelines recommendation to measure Lp (a) at least once in adults, preferably in the first lipid profile, to identify patients with high cardiovascular risk of recurrence. This result focus on the potential use in clinical practice of efficacious Lp(a)-lowering drugs.