| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY Background: Approximately 18 million people die each year due to cardiovascular disease, and a lot of people worldwide have elevated lipoprotein (a) levels, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim of the study: To review the general characteristics, structure and genetics of Lp (a) and to discuss its relevance in modern cardiology and cardiovascular risk measurement. Material and methods: The literature search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles, written in English, between 2014 and 2024, were selected. Results: Lipoprotein (a) is a plasma macromolecular complex consisting of a lipoprotein particle to which apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B-100 are attached. Lipoprotein (a) has been associated with atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammation, because it‘s responsible for cholesterol transport, slowing fibrinolysis and promoting the formation of deposits on the walls of blood vessels. Lipoprotein (a) helps predict cardiovascular risk and is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stroke and calcified aortic valve stenosis. Normal plasma concentrations of lipoprotein (a) are less than 75 nmol/l. It is recommended that lipoprotein (a) levels be measured at least once in every adult lifetime to select individuals with very high lipoprotein (a) levels (430 nmol/l) in order to identify those at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: Elevated plasma lipoprotein (a) concentrations increase the risk of aortic valve stenosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. Genes are responsible for 90% of the variation in lipoprotein (a) levels, so even with lifestyle adjustments, lipoprotein (a) levels and the risk of a cardiovascular event will not be reduced. |
