ROUTINE testing for a specific lipoprotein known as Lp(a) would be a cost-effective way to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and save lives, according to an international research taskforce.

Lp(a) is a type of cholesterol-carrying particle associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death globally, and affects an estimated one in five people worldwide have elevated levels.

However, the researchers said, levels of Lp(a) are not routinely measured in clinical practice and most people with elevated levels do not realise they are at risk – something the researchers call a “public health blindspot”.

Data from over 10,000 adults in the UK suggested that routine Lp(a) testing would have reclassified 20% of participants as high-risk, leading to earlier intervention with blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications.

The research team designed a health economic model based on the population data which showed that for every 10,000 people tested, 60 heart attacks, 13 strokes and 26 early deaths could be prevented, with 169 years of life gained and 217 years of living in good health in Australia.

The researchers also found that Lp(a) testing would save approximately $85 in societal costs (healthcare plus productivity burden) per person in Australia.

First author, Dr Jed Morton, an epidemiologist from Monash University, said Lp(a) testing in Australia should be routine, and from a young age if it is known to run in the family.

“There is solid evidence to show that Lp(a) can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease – the earlier people are tested, the better the chances are of intercepting the problem before it escalates,” he said.

“Now is the time to act.”

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, along with a growing number of cardiologists, are calling for doctors across Australia to start testing for Lp(a).

However, its focus is on at-risk groups including males below 55 or women below 60 years with a personal or family history of cardiovascular conditions or events.

The Royal Australian College of GPs has cautioned against routine testing, saying more evidence is needed to justify the benefits.

Read the paper HERE. KB

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