Lipoprotein (a) is independently correlated with coronary artery calcification

Introduction: Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) has been recognized as a risk factor for both coronary heart diseases and for cardiovascular events. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a well proven marker for coronary artery disease and risk factor for cardiovascular events. Still there are conflicting data regarding the relationship of Lp(a) and CAC. We therefore wanted to evaluate the influence of Lp(a) on CAC.

Methods: 1560 European patients (1123 men, age 59.3 ± 20.8 years) with typical or atypical chest pain underwent CAC scoring by a multi-slice CT-scanner, using a standard protocol. Blood samples were evaluated the same day using an automated particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay to determine Lp(a) serum levels.

Results: There was a positive correlation between CAC score, age, and common cardiovascular risk factors. Lp(a) serum levels were not associated with age but a positive correlation between Lp(a) serum levels and CAC was found. In the multivariate analysis age, diabetes, statin therapy, and Lp(a) could be identified as independent risk factors for CAC. (p<0.001). BMI, smoking, hypertension and LDL-C were not independently associated with CAC.

Conclusion: Lp (a) could be identified as an independent predictor of CAC, a marker of coronary atherosclerosis. Further a positive correlation between increasing Lp (a) levels and CAC scores was found.