Elevated lipoprotein (a) – an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease – recommendations for measuring and treatment
Autori:
Željko Reiner, Davor Miličić, Dunja Rogić, Šime Manola, Alen Ružić, Silvija Canecki-Varžić, Ivica Kristić, Bilić-Lidija Zulle, Lovorka Đerek, Vatroslav Šerić, Leida Tandara
Sažetak
Summary
The guidelines of international professional societies indicate that elevated concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in the blood is a long-term independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), as well as for calcification stenosis of the aortic valves. The aim of this document which was produced as a consensus document of the authors who are national experts in the field is to present the latest knowledge about diagnostics and current treatment options for patients with elevated Lp(a) concentrations in the blood, which are modest at the moment, but also to indicate future treatment options that are on the horizon. The conclusion that can be made on the basis of current knowledge indicates that there is an immediate benefit for patients in measuring the concentration of Lp(a), even if fully effective pharmacological treatment is not yet available. Measurement of Lp(a) facilitates faster and more reliable identification of patients with high cardiovascular risk and better management of that risk, i.e. it indicates the need for more intensive reduction and treatment of other risk factors for ASCVD if Lp(a) is significantly increased. It is recommended to express the concentration of Lp(a) in nmol/L measured by methods calibrated with calibrators whose concentration is expressed in nmol/L.