Lp(a) is an extremely atherogenic lipoprotein: Relevance to primary and secondary prevention 

Lp(a) is more atherogenic than LDL-C, possibly because there is less clearance and more recycling of particles, and multiple guidelines now recommend Lp(a) measurement at least once in a lifetime, especially for those with a personal or family history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Dr Gissette Reyes-Soffer, Columbia University, New York, USA, discusses current understanding of Lp(a) atherogenicity and its relevance to primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.