Lipoprotein(a) predicts risk of recurrent MI in older adults, Aus doctors find
But treatment should still focus on reducing LDL cholesterol, says cardiologist Professor Tom Marwick.
Over-60s with existing coronary heart disease have a higher risk of recurrent MI or angina in the presence of elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, results from a longitudinal study show.
Australian researchers say adults with lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), levels above 80nmol/L were 53% more likely to experience a second coronary event than those with a low concentration.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence implicating the so-called ‘sticky cholesterol’ in recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD), said lead author Associate Professor Leon Simons, from UNSW Sydney.
Professor Simons’ team previously showed that patients Lp(a) levels above 69nmol/L had a 46% greater likelihood of a first CHD event compared to those with lower concentrations.
