Lipoprotein(a) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: Evidence from Chinese Population

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Multiple factors are involved in CVD, and emerging data indicate that lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) may be associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) independent of other traditional risk factors. Lp(a) has been identified as a novel therapeutic target. Previous studies on the influence of Lp(a) in CVD have mainly used in western populations. In this review, the association of plasma Lp(a) concentration with ASCVD was summarized, with regards to epidemiological, population-based observational, and pathological studies in Chinese populations. Lp(a) mutations and copy number variations in Chinese populations are also explored. Finally, the impact of plasma Lp(a) levels on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and familial hypercholesterolemia are discussed.