Systematic Lp(a) Testing Could Prevent 12,000 Cardiac Events in Austria

A prominent researcher from Tyrol is advocating for the inclusion of systematic Lipoprotein(a) testing in Austria's national healthcare strategy. This biomarker is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to recent estimates, implementing this measure could save the Austrian healthcare system over half a billion euros and prevent approximately 12,000 cardiac events annually.

The researcher, who leads the Institute of Genetic Epidemiology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, played a key role in organizing the recent Global Summit on Elevated Lp(a) held in Brussels. The summit successfully brought together key opinion leaders, EU lawmakers, and representatives from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss the significance of Lp(a) testing.

During the summit, experts were presented with the first cost-effectiveness analyses for Lp(a) testing among individuals aged 40 to 69. The findings suggested that although no medications are yet available to specifically lower Lp(a) levels, implementing routine testing could still yield significant financial benefits.

The Medical University of Innsbruck has been recommending Lp(a) testing since 1995, and while initial guidelines in 2010 focused on high-risk groups, recent recommendations have expanded. However, many countries, including Austria, have yet to incorporate this testing into their national health policies. The cost-effectiveness analyses, conducted by a renowned expert in collaboration with the International Lp(a) Taskforce, illustrated the potential to avoid numerous heart attacks and strokes if all individuals in the specified age group undergo testing and those with elevated Lp(a) levels receive targeted treatment.

Despite the absence of specific Lp(a) lowering therapies, there are effective medications available for reducing LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as lifestyle modifications that can mitigate risk factors. The reduction in disease cases could lead to substantial long-term savings in healthcare costs, including fewer rehabilitation sessions and reduced early retirement due to health issues.

Austria is in a favorable position compared to many other nations, as individuals can have their Lp(a) levels tested at no cost through their health insurance. However, many physicians do not routinely offer this test, indicating a need for increased awareness and education regarding its importance.

An elevated Lp(a) level is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but it is essential to interpret it alongside other health indicators. For instance, if Lp(a) is high but other parameters like LDL cholesterol are normal, the overall risk may still be below average. In Austria, approximately one in three individuals dies from cardiovascular diseases. For those with multiple risk factors and a high Lp(a) level, the lifetime risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke may increase dramatically.

Lp(a) is a genetically determined type of fat in the blood that raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. While no direct treatments are available for lowering Lp(a) currently, the significance of its measurement has been underscored by recent studies demonstrating that appropriate management of other risk factors can still be beneficial. Ongoing research by several pharmaceutical companies aims to develop effective Lp(a) reduction therapies, with several trials already showing promising results.

In the coming year, it is hoped that further findings will clarify whether lowering Lp(a) will also decrease the risk of cardiac events, which would represent a crucial advancement in cardiovascular medicine.