Lipoprotein(a) testing in lipid clinics across the UK: Results of a national survey

Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its use is recommended in national and international guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk stratification. We undertook a survey to understand the availability and application of lipoprotein(a) measurement across UK lipid clinics. Fifty-three out of an estimated 200 lipid clinics (27%) provided responses. 81% of fifty-three clinics had access to lipoprotein(a) measurement. 27 clinics disclosed the number of lipoprotein(a) tests ordered annually with approximately half of the clinics (52%) requesting 0-250 tests per year. 60% measured lipoprotein(a) once per patient and the leading indication was a personal or family history of premature history of cardiovascular disease in those <60 years old. 63% of clinics that provided comments with lipoprotein(a) results graded cardiovascular risk as per the HEART UK consensus statement. 60% of clinics performed family cascade testing on lipoprotein(a) results ≥200nmol/L. Lipoprotein(a) was reported in nmol/L, mg/dL or mg/L by 48%, 24% and 28% of responding clinics, respectively. National effort is required to provide universal access to Lipoprotein(a) measurement and to harmonise the clinical application of this data.