A recent analysis conducted by University of California San Diego School of Medicine scientists reviews lipoprotein(a) testing practices in the U.S. The findings are summarized in a press release.
Upon investigating records of over 300 million patients nationwide from Epic Cosmos, researchers discovered:
- In the last decade (2015-2024), 0.2% of the nation’s residents were tested for Lp(a).
- 286,000 more patients were tested in 2024 than in 2015.
- Potential disparities were observed in Black and Hispanic or Latino populations, with less than 10% of each group being tested.
- The highest number of testing occurred in Ohio, Texas, and California.
- Adults between the ages of 50-65 were most likely to be tested.
- Lp(a) testing methods have changed to follow updated clinical guidelines.
The authors emphasized the importance of Lp(a) testing for the prevention of cardiovascular complications. Mattheus Ramsis, M.D., lead author and assistant professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine said in a press release, “These insights give us a roadmap for expanding access and addressing gaps. We’re seeing a growing recognition among clinicians of the importance of Lp(a) testing, but the low overall testing rates and regional imbalances highlight how much further we need to go. Broader awareness and access to testing could make the difference between catching disease early and missing an opportunity to prevent heart attacks and strokes, ensuring that all patients benefit from emerging therapies.”
