Family Heart Foundation’s Analysis of Large U.S. Healthcare Dataset Shows Measurement of Lipoprotein(a) Is Rare

Data Highlighted in Poster Presentation at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Family Heart Foundation, a leading research and advocacy organization, completed an analysis of its large U.S. Family Heart Database^TM demonstrating that lipoprotein(a) – also referred to as Lp(a) — is rarely assessed, despite it being a common, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Of the 112 million individuals for whom data was analyzed, only 0.3% had at least one Lp(a) measurement. The data is being presented in a poster titled, “Characterization of Lp(a) Measurement in a Large U.S. Health Care Dataset,” at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions on June 3 at 11:25 CT in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Elevated Lp(a) is a known risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes, and it’s estimated to be present in 20% of the population,” said Mary P. McGowan, M.D., chief medical officer, Family Heart Foundation, and study co-author. “Yet, it appears that few people have their Lp(a) measured, and when it is measured, it is only for individuals with multiple cardiac risk factors. While the analysis provides great insights, more research is needed to understand barriers and facilitators to Lp(a) testing within the healthcare setting.”

To determine how commonly Lp(a) was measured, data was analyzed using the Family Heart Foundation’s large, real-world, national healthcare database which includes more than 300 million Americans — 112 million with laboratory data. Of those, Lp(a) was measured in only 0.3% (335,726). In addition, the data indicated that individuals who underwent Lp(a) testing were older, more frequently had additional cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol and diabetes, and were more commonly female compared to those who were not tested. Furthermore, of the 810,119 health care providers who had patients with laboratory data in the database, 0.08% (629) were responsible for more than 50% of the testing.

Elevated levels of Lp(a) increase inflammation, plaque buildup inside the arteries, and appear to promote blood clotting. These attributes can contribute to blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart or brain and result in a heart attack or stroke. Testing for Lp(a) requires a simple blood test, but it is not part of a standard lipid panel, and it needs to be ordered directly.

The poster will be available for viewing in the Exhibit Hall.

About Elevated Lipoprotein(a)

Lipoprotein(a) – sometimes referred to as “L-P-little-a” – is a very common genetic disorder that can cause early heart disease and stroke. Elevated Lp(a) is practically invisible — often, the first sign of this condition is a stroke or a heart attack. One in 5 people worldwide have inherited high Lp(a), and first-degree relatives have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

About the Family Heart Foundation

The Family Heart Foundation is a non-profit research and advocacy organization. The Foundation is a pioneer in the application of real-world evidence, patient-driven advocacy, and multi-stakeholder education to help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by FH and elevated Lp(a), two common genetic disorders that have an impact across generations. The Family Heart Foundation conducts innovative research to break down barriers to diagnosis and management of inherited lipid disorders; educates patients, providers, and policy makers; advocates for change; and provides hope and support for families impacted by heart disease and stroke caused by FH, HoFH, and high Lp(a). The organization was founded in 2011 as the FH Foundation. For more information, visit FamilyHeart.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.