The distribution of lipoprotein(a) in Norway: a nationwide population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Background Lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] is shown to be a common and important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) because of its proatherogenic and prothrombotic properties. The concentrations of Lp(a) are mainly determined by genetics, and the median value can differ by up to fourfold between ethnic groups. Nevertheless, the distribution of Lp(a) in the Norwegian population remains unknown. Aim of study: To investigate the distribution of Lp(a) levels in the Norwegian population in individuals <50 years. To investigate awareness and test frequency of Lp(a) among Norwegian doctors. Methods The study material is nationwide clinical laboratory data with ̴ 275 000 Lp(a) measurements from 185 000 unique individuals <50 years of age, measured between 2000 and 2019. The data material is restricted to individuals <50 years because we assume a low use of medication among young adults. Results Analyses based on samples from 20 597 individuals measured between 2018-2019, show that 72.3% of the individuals have Lp(a)-levels < 30 mg/dL, 8.7% have Lp(a)-levels 30-50 mg/dL and 18.9% have Lp(a)-levels > 50 mg/dL. The distribution of Lp(a)-levels are similar for men and women < 50 years. There is high consciousness of Lp(a) among cardiologists, but low test frequency among cardiologists in other workplaces than lipid clinics. Conclusion This is the first study that shows the distribution of Lp(a) in the Norwegian population, which is similar to other European distributions of Lp(a).