News

Lp(a) risk variants linked to plaque rupture

May 14, 2026

Two major Lp(a) risk variants (rs10455872 and rs3798220) associated with elevated Lp(a) and increased risk of coronary artery disease have been linked with plaque rupture, though not with plaque erosion.

Studies support Lp(a) link to high risk plaque

May 8, 2026

Further support for the link between elevated Lp(a) and high risk plaque (HRP) features comes from two recently published studies using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and validated AI-based algorithms.

Machine learning model could mean fewer Lp(a) tests

April 17, 2026

A machine learning (ML) guided approach to prioritise Lp(a) testing could reduce the number of tests needed to identify individuals with elevated levels. This is the conclusion of researchers who tested an ethnicity-calibrated ML model developed to identify individuals with elevated Lp(a) in UK Biobank.

New US dyslipidaemia guidelines stress importance of Lp(a) measurement

March 17, 2026

Measurement of Lp(a) concentration in all adults at least once for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment is a key recommendation (COR 1; LOE B-NR) in the new dyslipidaemia guidelines drawn up by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) – the first since 2018.

Validation for direct Lp(a)-cholesterol assay

March 10, 2026

A sensitive, high-throughput, immunocapture-based assay for direct quantification of Lp(a)-cholesterol (Lp(a)-C) has been validated for potential use in research studies and clinical trials. The assay uses an apo(a)-specific mAb (LPA4) coupled to magnetic beads to quantify Lp(a)-C in human plasma.

Practical framework for Lp(a) screening and CV risk reduction in Canada

January 20, 2026

A practical framework for Lp(a) screening and cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment and management in Canada highlights inconsistent Lp(a) testing across the country, especially in rural and remote communities, and urges Lp(a) testing to be included on standard laboratory requisitions and automated Lp(a) companion orders at the time of the first lipid panel.