Association of Lipoprotein(a) With Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression

<p>Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, although the mechanism for this observation remains uncertain.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong></p> <p>A study was conducted to investigate whether Lp(a) is associated with adverse plaque progression.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong></p> <p>In this study Lp(a) was measured in patients with advanced stable coronary artery disease undergoing coronary CT &nbsp;angiography at baseline and 12 months to assess progression of total, calcific, noncalcific, and low-attenuation plaque (necrotic core) in particular. High Lp(a) was defined as Lp(a) ≥ 70 mg/dL.</p> <p>The relationship of Lp(a) with plaque progression was assessed using linear regression analysis.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong></p> <p>A total of 191 patients (65.9 ± 8.3 years of age; 152 [80%] male) were included in the analysis, with median Lp(a) values of 100.</p> <p>At baseline, there was no difference in coronary artery disease severity or plaque burden.</p> <p>Patients with high Lp(a) showed accelerated progression compared with low Lp(a) patients (<em>P</em> = 0.020).</p> <p>Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the relation between Lp(a) and low-attenuation plaque volume progression (10.5% increase for each 50 mg/dL of Lp(a), 95% CI: 0.7%-20.3%).</p> <p>There was no difference in total, calcific, and non-calcific plaque volume progression.</p> <p><strong>The study thus Concluded that</strong></p> <p>Among patients with advanced stable coronary artery disease, Lp(a) is associated with accelerated progression of coronary low-attenuation plaque (necrotic core).</p> <p>This also explain the association between Lp(a) and the high residual risk of myocardial infarction, providing support for Lp(a) as a treatment target in atherosclerosis.</p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> Lupin makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any s