Relationship between lipoprotein(a) concentrations and intima-media thickness: a healthy population study

Background: High levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been linked to an increased risk of ischaemic cardiovascular events. We examined whether Lp(a) plasma levels are associated with early arteriosclerosis by measuring intima media thickness in an asymptomatic population of Burgos, Spain. Methods: We determined lipids, lipoprotein(a) by a nephelometry method and the intima-media thickness (IMT) in the far wall of both common carotid arteries by B-mode ultrasound in a group of 172 asymptomatic subjects. Results: No association was found in the population group between Lp(a) concentrations and left, right, or overall mean IMT by univariate or multivariate regression analysis. The median IMT was not significantly different in individuals with Lp(a) levels >300 mg/l and in individuals with Lp(a) levels <300 mg/l. Conclusions: These results suggest that increased Lp(a) levels do not confer cardiovascular risk by promoting early atherogenesis, but rather increasing the susceptibility to thrombosis.