# Lipoprotein(a) in Vietnamese Cardiologists: Findings From a Pilot Study at the Vietnam Atherosclerosis Society Congress

## TL;DR

A pilot study found that a notable percentage of Vietnamese cardiologists have elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, a cardiovascular risk factor, despite having no prior heart disease or well-controlled lipid profiles.

## Contribution

This study provides the first data on Lp(a) levels among Vietnamese cardiologists and highlights the need for physician screening.

## Key findings

- 12.12% of cardiologists had elevated Lp(a) levels (≥ 125 nmol/L).
- Elevated Lp(a) was observed even in those with well-controlled lipid profiles.
- Lp(a) levels were not correlated with age, sex, BMI, or statin use.

## Abstract

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Although current guidelines recommend Lp(a) testing, physicians are seldom screened, even though they remain at risk and often overlook their own health. In Vietnam, data on Lp(a) remain unclear. To address this, the Vietnam Atherosclerosis Society launched a pilot study to assess elevated Lp(a) among Vietnamese cardiologists, aiming to generate initial data, encourage physician screening, and raise medical and public awareness.

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the 2024 Vietnam Atherosclerosis Society Congress, inviting 800 cardiologists. After exclusions, 165 without cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Demographic, biochemical, and lipid profiles were collected, and Lp(a) was measured using the Tina‐quant Lp(a) Gen 2 assay.

Elevated Lp(a) levels (≥ 125 nmol/L) were observed in 12.12% of the participants. There were no significant differences in median age (p = 0.488) or sex distribution (p = 0.328) between participants with and without elevated Lp(a). Lp(a) levels were not correlated with other lipid parameters, body mass index, or age. No significant difference in Lp(a) levels was observed between statin users and nonstatin users. Among participants who achieved LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C treatment targets, 8% still presented elevated Lp(a) levels.

At the Vietnam Atherosclerosis Society Congress, elevated Lp(a) levels were detected in several cardiologists without prior cardiovascular disease, including those with well‐controlled lipid profiles according to current guideline targets.