Hidden Heart Risk Found in 1 in 5 People, Study Warns

A study of more than 20,000 adults found that elevated lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is linked to higher residual cardiovascular risk, especially stroke and death.

Researchers reviewing stored blood samples from three NIH trials found that people with the highest Lp(a) levels had more major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths, and strokes over nearly four years.

The results point to a possible risk threshold that could make Lp(a) screening more useful in routine care.

A simple blood test may help identify a hidden inherited heart risk in about one in five people and support earlier, more aggressive prevention.