Study Reveals Hidden Cholesterol Risk in One in Five People, Suggests Need for Aggressive Management
A new analysis involving over 20,000 patients from three major National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies has found that elevated levels of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are linked to ongoing cardiovascular risk, even in individuals receiving standard treatment. The findings, presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2026 Scientific Sessions, indicate that patients with high Lp(a) levels may require more aggressive management of heart disease risk factors. Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle in the bloodstream that resembles LDL cholesterol but includes an extra protein, potentially making it more harmful. The study revealed that approximately 20% of people have elevated Lp(a) levels, which are often inherited and can increase heart disease risk even when standard cholesterol levels appear normal.