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Lipoprotein(a) Foundation and European Atherosclerosis Society Partner to Raise Awareness of Inherited Cardiovascular Disease and Support Lp(a) Treatment ResearchThe Lipoprotein(a) Foundation announced today that it has entered into an official partnership with the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) to raise awareness for inherited cardiovascular disease and the significance of high Lipoprotein(a) as an independent, genetic risk factor for early cardiovascular disease. The announcement was made here at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC (News - Alert)) Congress 2016, August 27-31, 2016. As part of the partnership, EAS President Professor Alberico Catapano has joined other world-leading experts on Lipoprotein(a) on the Foundation's global Scientific Advisory Board. This week at the ESC 2016 Congress, Dr. Catapano will participate in a session discussing the new 2016 ESC/EAS Guidelines. Focusing on key areas including risk assessment, goals and targets for important cardiovascular risk factors, recommendations for imaging, lipid control, and intervention strategies, the new Guidelines have increased emphasis on Lipoprotein(a): Lipoprotein(a) is a low-density lipoprotein to which an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a) is attached. High concentrations of Lp(a) are associated with increased risk of CAD and ischaemic stroke and Mendelian randomization studies support a causal role in CVD for Lp(a). At present there is no justification for screening the general population for Lp(a), but it may be considered in patients at moderate risk to refine risk evaluation or in subjects with a family historyof early CVD. "The EAS is pleased to officially partner with the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation to collaborate on a common goal of raising awareness for inherited cardiovascular disease and the risk of early disease associated with Lp(a)," said Dr Catapano. "Our strategic priorities are aligned around education and empowering physicians and patients and we expect this partnership will help us achieve greater success in reaching these goals." "The mission of the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is to empower patients and prevent cardiovascular events due to high Lipoprotein(a) through proper testing and diagnosis. Previously, our reach has predominantly been supporting patients and their families in the United States. We are extremely proud to expand our horizons to Europe through this partnership with the European Atherosclerosis Society. We look forward to collaborating with the EAS to continue raising awareness and working towards the development of specific treatments for high Lipoprotein(a)," said Sandra Revill Tremulis, founder of Lipoprotein(a) Foundation. A study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that current cholesterol guidelines miss 8% of people who have a cardiovascular event whose only risk factor is high Lp(a).1,5 One in 5 people globally have inherited high Lp(a) - approximately 63 million in the U.S.4 and Lp(a) is a highly prevalent, independent, genetic risk factor for coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis.2,3 Lp(a) concentrations can be measured by a simple blood test, but it is not included in most standard lipid panel tests that check cholesterol levels. 1 The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation recently issued an Infographic to raise awareness that a simple blood test could be the first step in preventing up to 120,000 cardiovascular events every year. About the European Atherosclerosis Society The European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) was founded in 1964 with the aim of "advancing and exchanging knowledge concerning the causes, natural history, treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic disease." For more than 50 years the Society's expertise has been used to teach clinicians how to manage lipid disorders and how to prevent atherosclerosis. By offering to our members access to educational materials, and opportunities to take part in Congress and courses, and by providing a forum in which new developments can be discussed, EAS contributes to the development of knowledge in the field, and ultimately to the improved treatment of persons with cardiovascular disease and lipid disorders. About The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation Because approximately 63 million Americans have high Lipoprotein(a) and are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease, the vision for the foundation is: To live in a world where high Lipoprotein(a) is routinely diagnosed, treated and family screened. The mission is to prevent cardiovascular events due to high Lipoprotein(a) by diagnosing this inherited risk for cardiovascular disease; educating and empowering patients and saving lives. Our goal is to save lives by increasing awareness, advocating for routine testing, and supporting research that will lead to a specific treatment for elevated Lipoprotein(a). Based in San Carlos, California, the Lipoprotein(a) Foundation is a patient-founded, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Visit www.lipoproteinafoundation.org 1-5 Citations available upon request.
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