Atherosclerosis in Indians and lipoprotein (a)
Misra, A.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 47(3): 313-317
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 10999128 Document Number: 505477
Indians, both immigrant or native, are predisposed to develop a cluster of risk factors, and consequently are more prone to manifest CAD as compared to several other ethnic groups. Lipid profile in them is not characterised by hypercholesterolemia, instead the atherogenic profile is denoted by high TG and low HDL-c levels. Lp(a), is a recently discovered important independent and inheritable risk factor for atherosclerosis. It plays an important role in atherogenesis, and acts as a prothrombotic agent as well. Levels of Lp(a) are significantly higher in Indians subjects as well as their offsprings. Thus, Lp(a) is likely to have substantial role in development of early and extensive atherosclerosis in Indians. It is essential to include Lp(a) in battery of tests for evaluation of coronary risk especially in Indians. Further studies shall unravel the full ramifications of adverse effects of this lipoprotein.