Lipoprotein(a) and cerebrovascular diseases

Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically regulated low-density lipoprotein-like particle that is gaining increasing attention as an independent pathogenic risk factor for vascular diseases. The accumulation of evidence from epidemiological and genetic studies, as well as studies aimed at clarifying the pathogenetic mechanisms, confirmed the multifaceted role of lipoprotein(a) in atherogenesis, vascular calcification, inflammation, and thrombogenesis in various vascular regions. Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, even after controlling for traditional risk factors. Elevated lipoprotein(a) is associated with increased recurrence of stroke and poor functional outcome in stroke patients. Lipoprotein(a) can be a novel therapeutic target for the secondary prevention of stroke and a promising biomarker.