Why the study?
Premature CAD poses diagnostic challenges in patients with minimal traditional risk factors, and high Lp(a) is an independent genetic risk factor contributing to early and progressive disease.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
This case demonstrates that elevated lipoprotein(a) can drive premature and rapidly progressive coronary artery disease and stent failure in young patients even when LDL-C is aggressively lowered to <15 mg/dL with statin and PCSK9 inhibitor therapy.
BACKGROUND: Premature coronary artery disease (CAD) poses diagnostic challenges, particularly in patients with minimal traditional risk factors. High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and it contributes to early and progressive CAD. CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of a 35-year-old African American woman with recurrent chest pain who was diagnosed with severe multivessel CAD despite minimal traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Further evaluation revealed markedly high Lp(a) levels. She underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and achieved optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control with high-intensity statin therapy and a PCSK9 inhibitor. Despite aggressive lipid-lowering therapy, she developed recurrent angina within 6 months, and repeat coronary angiography demonstrated disease progression. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the role of high Lp(a) in driving premature and progressive CAD independent of LDL-C levels. Early identification of high Lp(a) may improve risk stratification and inform management strategies. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: High Lp(a) may contribute to premature and progressive CAD even with optimal LDL-C control, supporting consideration of Lp(a) testing in young patients with unexplained or familial CAD.
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Bawahab et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Premature multivessel coronary artery disease with elevated lipoprotein(a) (n=1). Percutaneous coronary intervention, rosuvastatin, evolocumab, and dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and prasugrel) was evaluated on Coronary artery disease progression and recurrent angina.
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