LIPOPROTEIN(A): A GENETICALLY DETERMINED RISK MARKER IN TYPE 2 DIABETES AND OBESITY

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined, independent, and causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis, with elevated levels found in approximately 20% of the global population. Unlike most lipid parameters, Lp(a) is largely unaffected by lifestyle modification or statin therapy, making it one of the main contributors to residual atherogenic risk even when target LDL-cholesterol levels are achieved. Lp(a) acquires particular clinical relevance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity — a population with inherently elevated cardiometabolic risk, in whom its relationship with Lp(a) is complex.