# Can Lp(a) become the next A1C? A case for digital health management tools to overcome inertia to Lipoprotein (a) testing

## TL;DR

This paper suggests using digital health tools to increase Lipoprotein (a) testing, which is underutilized despite its link to cardiovascular disease.

## Contribution

The paper proposes leveraging motivational models and current health trends to promote Lp(a) testing through digital health tools.

## Key findings

- Less than 1% of the US population has been screened for Lipoprotein (a).
- Digital tools based on motivational models could increase patient interest in Lp(a) testing.
- GLP-1 receptor antagonist prescriptions are motivating patients to manage related biomarkers.

## Abstract

Despite its known correlations with risk of cardiovascular disease, awareness and testing for Lipoprotein (a) lags that of other serological markers with estimates that less than 1% of the US population have undergone screening. Herein we outline how digital tools framed around motivational models (COM-B and SEM), might help increase likelihood of patients seeking Lp(a) testing as part of their managed care. Furthermore, we highlight how recent trends in prescription of GLP-1 receptor antagonists are serving to motivate patients to manage biomarkers related to T2D and obesity, which are also relevant in cardiovascular disease. Capitalizing on this trend to stimulate interest in Lp(a) management could have near term consequence, and with disease modifying therapies in development ultimately improve outcomes in cardiovascular disease.