IS LIPOPROTEIN (A) A PREDICTOR OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE SEVERITY?

INTRODUCTION: Studies on the association between the plasma concentration of lipoprotein (a) and coronary heart disease (CHD) have reported conflicting findings. METHOD an‎d MATERIALS: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of lipoprotein (a) and ischemic heart disease as well as other cardiovascular risk factors in a population-based study. Lipoprotein (a) serum was measured in 142 patients with chronic stable angina undergoing clinically indicated coronary angiography. Lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, anthropometric and clinical parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Lipoprotein (a) levels were significantly associated with coronary artery stenosis in men, but not in women. Also, an direct association between mean levels of lipoprotein (a) and coronary artery stenosis in men younger than 55 years old and an inverse association in men older than 55 years old were observed. CONCLUSION: Multivariate analysis revealed that lipoprotein (a) was considered an independent predictor for severity of CAD in men, especially in younger ages.