After a heart attack, levels of blood lipids such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) may influence the risk of further cardiovascular events. In this analysis, we determined that even when LDL-C levels are controlled with a statin, elevated levels of another blood lipid called lipoprotein(a) are associated with an increased risk of further cardiovascular events and a benefit of treatment with the PCSK9 inhibitors.

In this interview, Gregory G. Schwartz, MD, PhD and Glenn A. Hirsch MD, MHS, FACC, with Lindsay Panah, MD, discuss Lipoprotein(a) and Benefit of PCSK9 Inhibition in Patients with Nominally Controlled LDL-Cholesterol.

References:

1. Schwartz GG, Szarek M, Bittner VA, et al. Lipoprotein(a) and Benefit of PCSK9 Inhibition in Patients with Nominally Controlled LDL-Cholesterol. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:421–433.
2. Bittner VA, Szarek M, Aylward PE, et al. Effect of Alirocumab on Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk After Acute Coronary Syndrome. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;75:133–44.
3. O’Donoghue ML, Fazio S, Giugliano RP, et al. Lipoprotein(a), PCSK9 Inhibition, and Cardiovascular Risk. Circulation 2019;139:1483–92.
4. Rosenson RS and Goonewardena SN. The Residual Risk Odyssey: From LDL to Lp(a). J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:434–436.

Clinical Topics: Dyslipidemia, Advanced Lipid Testing, Lipid Metabolism, Nonstatins, Acute Coronary Syndromes, Prevention

Keywords: ACCELLite, PCSK9, Cholesterol, Lipids, Lipoprotein(a)

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