The American Heart Association has launched the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project to increase awareness and screening for lipoprotein(a), a significant but often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Elevated Lp(a), an inherited condition affecting an estimated 20% of Americans, is a causal factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), yet less than 1% of those at risk are tested. Supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the project focuses on enhancing shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients in community health centers (CHCs) regarding Lp(a) screening and ASCVD risk management.
Dr. Kaavya Paruchuri emphasizes the importance of a one-time Lp(a) test for individuals with a family history of heart disease, highlighting CHCs' role in making this screening accessible. Ten CHCs across the U.S. have already joined the initiative in 2024, with plans to add ten more this year, demonstrating progress in expanding Lp(a) testing access. Participating centers have successfully integrated new screening processes, leading to increased testing rates. Research indicates that elevated Lp(a) levels significantly raise the risk for ASCVD-related conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
While treatment options are limited, early detection through screening can motivate individuals to adopt lifestyle changes and discuss medication therapies with their doctors to lower overall heart disease risk. The initiative builds on the 2023 Lp(a) Discovery Project, which aimed to increase Lp(a) screening through education. Insights from this project are now being applied to improve screening processes in CHCs. A baseline survey revealed a general lack of awareness about Lp(a) among U.S. adults, underscoring the need for healthcare professionals to educate patients about this risk factor.
Community Health Centers interested in participating can express their interest by completing a form available at https://heart.org/LpaDiscovery, with a deadline of August 15. This expansion represents a critical step toward addressing a widespread but underrecognized cardiovascular risk factor through accessible community-based healthcare settings.
