American Heart Association Expands Lp(a) Screening to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

The American Heart Association has initiated the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, a significant step towards addressing the gap in awareness and screening for lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a critical yet frequently overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. With an estimated 20% of Americans affected by elevated Lp(a) levels, a condition inherited and linked to an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the project seeks to enhance the dialogue between healthcare providers and patients in community health centers (CHCs) about the importance of Lp(a) screening and ASCVD risk management.

Supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the project underscores the necessity of a one-time Lp(a) test for individuals with a family history of heart disease, as emphasized by Dr. Kaavya Paruchuri. The initiative has already seen ten CHCs across the United States participating in 2024, with plans to incorporate ten more by the end of the year, marking a progressive stride in making Lp(a) testing more accessible. These centers have successfully implemented new screening protocols, resulting in a notable increase in testing rates.

Research highlights that elevated Lp(a) levels significantly elevate the risk for ASCVD-related conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes. Although treatment options are currently limited, the early identification of high Lp(a) levels through screening can empower individuals to make informed lifestyle adjustments and explore medication therapies with their healthcare providers to mitigate their overall heart disease risk.

This initiative expands on the foundation laid by the 2023 Lp(a) Discovery Project, which focused on boosting Lp(a) screening through educational efforts. The insights garnered from the earlier project are now being leveraged to refine and enhance screening processes within CHCs. A preliminary survey conducted as part of the project revealed a widespread lack of awareness about Lp(a) among U.S. adults, highlighting the critical role healthcare professionals play in educating patients about this risk factor.

Community Health Centers interested in joining this vital initiative can express their interest by completing a form available at https://heart.org/LpaDiscovery, with submissions due by August 15.