Lipoprotein a: where are we now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update of the literature describing the link between lipoprotein a and vascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS: There is evidence that elevated plasma lipoprotein a levels are associated with coronary heart disease, stroke and other manifestations of atherosclerosis. Several mechanisms may be implicated, including proinflammatory actions and impaired fibrinolysis. SUMMARY: Lipoprotein a potentially represents a useful tool for risk stratification in the primary and secondary prevention setting. However, there are still unresolved methodological issues regarding the measurement of lipoprotein a levels. Targeting lipoprotein a in order to reduce vascular risk is hampered by the lack of well tolerated and effective pharmacological interventions. Moreover, it has not yet been established whether such a reduction will result in fewer vascular events. The risk attributed to lipoprotein a may be reduced by aggressively tackling other vascular risk factors, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.