Community Health Centers Expand Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Marker Lp(a)

Elevated lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a significant but often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is the focus of a new initiative by the American Heart Association. The Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, seeks to increase awareness and testing for Lp(a) within community health centers across the U.S. This effort is crucial because, despite 1 in 5 Americans having high Lp(a) levels, less than 1% of those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are tested for it.

Dr. Kaavya Paruchuri of Massachusetts General Hospital emphasizes the importance of a simple, one-time Lp(a) test for lifelong insight into heart disease risk, particularly for individuals with a family history of the condition. The project has already seen success, with ten community health centers participating in 2024 and ten more joining this year, leading to increased Lp(a) testing at these sites.

Research indicates that elevated Lp(a) levels significantly increase the risk for ASCVD-related events, including heart attack and stroke. While treatment options are limited, early detection through screening can motivate individuals to discuss risk management strategies with their healthcare providers. The initiative builds on the findings of the 2023 Lp(a) Discovery Project, which highlighted the lack of awareness and urgency around Lp(a) testing among U.S. adults.

Community health centers interested in joining the initiative can express their interest by completing a form available at heart.org/LpaDiscovery, with a deadline of August 15. This project represents a critical step forward in the fight against cardiovascular disease by leveraging community health centers to make Lp(a) screening more accessible and widespread.