Prevalence of elevated lipoprotein(a) levels in patients from Santa Fe: a look at cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a lipid particle with atherogenic, thrombogenic, and inflammatory properties. Its plasma concentration is genetically determined and independently associated with cardiovascular disease. However, its prevalence and clinical relevance in local populations remain insufficiently characterized.

Objective: To analyze the distribution of Lp(a) levels and their association with cardiovascular risk factors and events in dyslipidemic patients from an outpatient cohort in the city of Santa Fe.

Methods: Observational, retrospective, single-center study. A total of 404 adult patients with dyslipidemia and available Lp(a) measurements, evaluated between July 2019 and June 2025, were included. Lp(a) levels were categorized according to the European Atherosclerosis Society criteria. Demographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and prior cardiovascular events were analyzed.

Results: Secondary prevention accounted for 69.1% of the cohort. High prevalences of hypertension (90.1%), diabetes (29.2%), and obesity (47.5%) were observed. Although 75.7% of patients were receiving high-intensity statin therapy, the mean LDL-C level was 85.7 mg/dL. Elevated Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, prior stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention, peripheral vascular disease, and multiple cardiovascular events.

Conclusions: In this cohort, Lp(a) behaved as an independent marker of cardiovascular risk, associated with a greater burden of disease beyond conventional lipid control. Systematic inclusion of Lp(a) in clinical evaluation may improve risk stratification and optimize therapeutic decision-making.