Project 451922

Lipoprotein(a) is a poorly recognized unusual form of cholesterol that is under genetic control. High levels of lipoprotein(a) is a poorly recognized and underappreciated genetic riskfactor for heart disease. Individuals with high lipoprotein(a) can develop heart attacks, strokes and heart valve disease. Most physicians do not routinely screen for lipoprotein(a), and therefore most individuals do not know whether they have high levels of this cholesterol. Recent guidelines have now recommended that all individuals undergo screening for high lipoprotein(a). Approximately 6 million Canadians will be found to have elevations in lipoprotein(a) that increase risk of heart disease. However, not all will necessarily develop heart disease. Our proposal will address many unanswered questions for these individuals: Who is at highest risk of heart disease?; What characterizes individuals who develop heart disease? and, finally, How can physicians and patients work to reduce the risk of heart disease among Canadians found to have high lipoprotein(a). Our proposed research will work to answer these key questions that will help better predict the risk of heart disease and clarify the appropriate preventive measures that can reduce the risk related to lipoprotein(a). Our research could ultimately reduce the number of heart attack, strokes and valve disease in Canada and improve the health of Canadians with high lipoprotein(a).