Key result
Elevated Lp(a) is linked to higher dyslipidemia prevalence, affecting ~11% of adults.
Cross-Sectional (n=5,484)
Absolute Event Rate: 88.1% vs 78.4%
p-value: p=0.003
Approximately 10% of Finnish adults have elevated Lp(a), which is associated with a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia but not other cardiometabolic risk factors.
Background Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important genetic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Because Lp(a)-lowering therapies are limited, prevention focuses on identifying individuals with elevated Lp(a) and optimizing other modifiable risk factors. We aimed to assess the distribution of Lp(a) levels in Finnish adults and examine its association with other CVD risk factors, as well as the awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia. Methods Data were derived from the Healthy Finland health examination survey conducted in 2023, comprising a nationally representative sample of 5,484 adults. Lp(a) levels were categorized using a cut-point at 125 nmol/L. Other CVD risk factors included were dyslipidemia, abnormal glucose metabolism, hypertension, and obesity. Analyses were weighted taking into account the sampling design and non-participation to provide nationally representative results. Results Mean Lp(a) levels were 41.7 nmol/L (95% CI 39.0–44.3) in men (M) and 41.9 nmol/L (39.7–44.1) in women (W). Elevated Lp(a) was observed in 11.0% of men and 10.4% of women. Dyslipidemia was more prevalent among individuals with elevated Lp(a) (M: 88.1% vs. 78.4% p = 0.003, W: 79.2% vs. 73.2% p = 0.030) but this association reversed after correcting cholesterol for Lp(a). No associations were found between Lp(a) and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Individuals with elevated Lp(a) had slightly lower unawareness (M: 42.3% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.180, W: 38.8% vs.48.4%, p = 0.042) and better treatment (M: 38.1% vs. 31.7%, p = 0.010, W: 29.2% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.090) of dyslipidemia than those with lower levels while no association was found between Lp(a) and dyslipidemia control (M: 81.4% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.520, W: 74.6% vs. 73.0%, p = 0.740). Conclusions Approximately one in ten Finnish adults had elevated Lp(a), a lower prevalence than in many other European populations but still affecting a substantial share of the population. Elevated Lp(a) was associated with higher prevalence of dyslipidemia prior to Lp(a) correction, but not with other CVD risk factors, and these individuals also showed slightly greater awareness and treatment of dyslipidemia. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive management of modifiable CVD risk factors to reduce the overall burden of CVDs.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Vuorio et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular risk factors (n=5,484). Elevated Lipoprotein(a) (≥125 nmol/L) vs. Lp(a) <125 nmol/L was evaluated on Prevalence of dyslipidemia in men (p=0.003). Elevated Lp(a) (≥125 nmol/L) was present in ~11% of Finnish adults and associated with higher dyslipidemia prevalence (men: 88.1% vs 78.4%, P=0.003; women: 79.2% vs 73.2%, P=0.030) before correction.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: