Correlation of lipoprotein (a) and ischemic heart disease
Kalina, A.
Orvosi Hetilap 143(47): 2625-2629
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-6002 PMID: 12532648 Document Number: 551289
Increased plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been considered an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). A high concentration of Lp(a) contributes to atherothrombotic risk by multiple mechanisms that include impaired fibrinolysis and increased cholesterol deposition in the arterial wall. Its atherogenicity seems to be related to the similarity in structure with thrombohemostatic factors. The level of Lp(a) in plasma is genetically determined and appears to be unaffected by usual risk factors. There are few medications which have been shown to lower the plasma concentration of Lp(a), however, since these drugs all have multiple other effects their, use is not the choice of the therapy. According to the results of examinations, the best therapeutic option for increased plasma Lp(a) concentration is to lower the plasma level of LDL.