Lipoprotein(a) as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases - focus on ischemic stroke (a position paper)

Abstract

High lipoprotein(a) (LP(a)) level contributes as an independent risk factor to the development of cardiovascular diseases of atherosclerotic origin. The article contains data on the structural features of this particle, the genetic determination of its metabolism and content in blood plasma, and the pathogenic mechanisms of its proatherogenic, proinflammatory and prothrombotic effects. The authors analyzed epidemiological data on the frequency of elevated LP(a) levels in different population groups and its association with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The data presented concern the indicators of LP(a) as a risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke (including recurrent stroke) and its individual pathogenetic subtypes, as well as the relationship between LP(a) levels and functional outcomes after cerebral accidents. Current recommendations for the treatment of patients with elevated LP(a) levels in the context of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases are analyzed.