FREQUENCY OF RAISED LIPOPROTEINS Lp(a) IN YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WITH FAMILY HISTORY OF ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], a genetically determined independent risk factor, is implicated in early atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Its distribution among young individuals with a family history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) warrants evaluation for timely primary prevention, since these individuals may carry this latent risk prior to the emergence of conventional lipid abnormalities. Objective: To determine the frequency of raised lipoprotein Lp(a) in young patients with a family history of ischemic heart disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, from February 7, 2026 to June 6, 2026, following IRB approval. A total of 245 young individuals aged 20–40 years who were first-degree relatives of patients with ischemic heart disease were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Serum Lp(a) was measured by ELISA; levels exceeding 125 nmol/L were defined as raised. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26. Results: Mean age was 31.2 ± 5.4 years; 133 (54.3%) participants were aged 31–40 years. Raised Lp(a) was observed in 98 (40.0%) individuals. Stratified analysis revealed significantly higher frequency of raised Lp(a) in those aged 31 40 years (45.1% vs. 33.9%; p=0.042), smokers (48.8% vs. 35.6%; p=0.038), and participants with any comorbidity (44.9% vs. 32.7%; p=0.036). Conclusion: Elevated Lp(a) is prevalent among young individuals with a family history of ischemic heart disease. Raised levels are significantly associated with older age within the study range, smoking, and presence of comorbidities. Early Lp(a) screening is recommended in this high-risk group.