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Is lipoprotein(a) testing relevant in cardiovascular risk stratification?


Authors: M. Kozárová 1;  J. Tokarčík 1;  A. Lacková 2;  M. Valiková Bavoľárová 3;  Z. Kozárová 4;  R. de la Riva Ortiz 4;  A. Ürgeová 1;  Z. Kozelová 1
Authors‘ workplace: Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika a Univerzitná nemocnica L. Pasteura, Košice IV. interná klinika, Prednosta: MUDr. Martin Javorský, PhD., MPH 1;  Neurologické oddelenie UNLP Košice, Primár: MUDr. Marián Bali Hudák, MPH 2;  Klinika pracovného lekárstva a klinickej toxikológie UPJŠ LF a UNLP, Prednosta: prof. MUDr. Ľubomír Legáth, PhD. 3;  Lekárska fakulta UPJŠ Košice , Dekan: prof. MUDr. Peter Jarčuška, PhD. 4
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2026; 106(2): 51-59
Category: Of different specialties

Overview

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like lipoprotein particle composed of apolipoprotein B100 covalently bound to apolipoprotein(a). Currently, Lp(a) is considered an established genetically determined independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and calcifying aortic stenosis. Approximately 20% of the population has Lp(a) levels exceeding 50 mg/dL (≈ 105 nmol/L). The 2025 ESC/EAS dyslipidaemia update recommends measuring Lp(a) at least once in every individual during their lifetime. According to a recent legislative amendment, since 2026, Lp(a) measurement in the Czech Republic has become part of preventive examinations performed by general practitioners in patients with high cardiovascular risk. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the significance of Lp(a) in cardiovascular risk stratification, its genetic background, pathophysiological mechanisms, and therapeutic perspectives.

Keywords:

lipoprotein(a) – atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – cardiovascular risk stratification – LPA gene


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