Screening for cardiovascular disease marker in community health centers may reduce risk

July 23, 2025 at 08:00 AM EDT

(NewMediaWire) - July 23, 2025 - DALLAS — Elevated lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), is an independent, inherited and causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.[1] Lp(a) is similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, yet is caused by genetics and is not impacted by lifestyle modifications.

While it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have high Lp(a) levels, many people are not aware of their risk. Research has found less than 1% of people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, are tested for Lp(a).[2]

The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has launched the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, to increase awareness about Lp(a). Additionally, the initiative will focus on improving shared decision making between health care professionals and individuals within community health centers (CHCs) on the importance of Lp(a) screening and ASCVD risk management.

“A simple, one-time Lp(a) test can give lifelong insight about overall heart disease risk — especially for people with a family history or who are otherwise at increased risk,” said Kaavya Paruchuri, M.D., American Heart Association volunteer and clinical operations director of the cardiovascular medicine section and director of the Lipid Apheresis Unit, Preventive Cardiology, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “Community health centers are vital for making this important tool available to more people and helping individuals take control of their heart health.”

Ten CHCs throughout the U.S. signed onto the project in 2024, and 10 additional sites will be added this year. So far, participating CHCs have successfully added new Lp(a) screening processes resulting in increased testing at the sites. This reflects strong momentum for expanding Lp(a) testing access.

Current participating CHCs include:

Bay Area Community Health in Fremont, California
Bee Busy Wellness Center in Houston
Capital Area Health Network in Richmond, Virginia
El Centro Family Health in Española, New Mexico
Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers in Columbus, Ohio
Lone Star Family Health Center in Conroe, Texas
Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Spring Branch Community Health Center in Houston
The Chautauqua Center in Dunkirk, New York
Westside Family Health Center in Culver City, California

In 2023, the American Heart Association launched an initiative called the Lp(a) Discovery Project to improve the number of patients screened for Lp(a) through professional and patient education. This initiative gathered insights from 10 health systems across the country who have established Lp(a) testing processes. Lessons learned from this initiative will be used to drive improvements across CHCs participating in the Lp(a) Discovery Community Health Centers Project.

Studies have shown that elevated Lp(a) increases risk for ASCVD-related events such as aortic stenosis, heart attack, peripheral artery disease and stroke.[3] Although treatment options for high Lp(a) are limited, some lifestyle changes and medication therapies can assist with lowering a person’s overall risk for heart disease.

A baseline survey conducted as part of the Lp(a) Discovery Project found few U.S. adults are aware of Lp(a), which is accompanied by lack of concern and urgency to have levels checked. U.S. adults are not linking elevated Lp(a) to cardiovascular risk, but when they do, it motivates them to talk to their doctor. Health care professionals are the top source of Lp(a) awareness; their recommendation and personal experience is key to considering getting Lp(a) levels checked.

Community Health Centers can express interest in participating in this initiative by completing the form at heart.org/LpaDiscovery. The deadline is August 15.

Additional Resources:

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Michelle Rosenfeld: michelle.rosenfeld@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] Reyes-Soffer G, et al. Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. October 14, 2021. 42(1). https://doi.org/10.1161/ATV.0000000000000147.

[2] Shah N, Mulder H, et al. Lipoprotein (a) Testing in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 5 Large US Health Systems. JAHA. November 4, 2024. 13(21). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.124.035610.

[3] Wilson D, et al. Use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2019. https://www.lipid.org/sites/default/files/files/Use%20of%20lipoprotein(a)%20in%20clinical%20practice(1).pdf; Tsimikas S, Marcovina S. Ancestry, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Risk Thresholds: JACC Review Topic of the Week. JACC. August 2022. 80(9):934–946. https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.06.019.

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Screening for cardiovascular disease marker in community health centers may reduce risk

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