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Cardio alliance and Novartis have presented a digital information space to raise awareness among the population about the Lipoprotein(a)a hereditary cardiovascular risk factor that experts recommend measuring at least once in your life.
According to the data provided by these organizations, it is estimated that one in five people has elevated lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), although most are unaware of it since this biomarker is not routinely analyzed. Therefore, coinciding with World Lipoprotein(a) Day which is celebrated tomorrow, March 24, Cardioallianza and Novartis have presented the first digital information space to raise awareness among the population about the importance of measuring their levels.
Lp(a) is a particle of fat and protein that circulates in the blood, similar to LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol”, but with unique characteristics since it incorporates an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). This increases its ability to form plaques in the arteries, to the point that it can be up to six times more atherogenic per particle than LDL cholesterol, thus contributing to the development of atherosclerosis, they explained.
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, with nearly 20 million deaths annually, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately 85% of cases, they recalled.
Didactic contents
The new digital space offers practical information about Lp(a) through educational content that clearly explains what it is and how it influences cardiovascular risk, as well as downloadable practical materials and audiovisual pieces that will capture the vision of health professionals and the experience of patients.
In the words of Tomas Fajardo, president of Cardioalianza, “lipoprotein(a) is still largely unknown to a large part of the population, despite the fact that it is a cardiovascular risk factor with an important hereditary component. With this initiative we want to contribute to more people knowing what Lp(a) is, why it is important to measure it and what implications it may have for their cardiovascular health.”
Up to 90% of blood Lp(a) levels are determined by genetic factors, so they can be high even in people with healthy habits. The consensus of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society (SEA) recommends measuring it at least once in a lifetime in all adults, since it is a risk factor that maintains relatively constant levels throughout life.
Reviews
The document also highlights the importance of including the measurement of Lp(a) in the routine health checksthrough a simple blood testsince it would allow us to identify people with a higher cardiovascular risk who could go unnoticed. It is estimated that one in four patients with levels above 50 mg/dL or 105 nmol/L and with a history of previous CV disease will suffer a cardiovascular event in the next five years.
The president of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society (SEA), Jose Lopez Mirandahighlighted that “it is advisable to measure it at least once in your life, since a high concentration represents a significantly greater and persistent cardiovascular risk throughout life.”
López Miranda added that “in cases in which Lp(a) is elevated, and while we do not yet have future specific therapies that inhibit the synthesis of Lp(a), it is recommended to act with greater intensity on other risk factors. This includes a stricter reduction of LDL cholesterolas well as optimal control of high blood pressure and the rest of modifiable factors, in order to compensate for the excess risk associated with this molecule.”
For her part, the Director of Communications and Patient Relations at Novartis, Esther Thornystated that the company promotes “prevention as a key tool to reduce one of the main causes of death in our population: cardiovascular diseases. Through collaboration with Cardioalianza we want to bring valuable information to the population about lipoprotein(a), a cardiovascular risk factor that is still little known.”
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