Lipoprotein(a) testing in general practice is cost-effective for identifying high-risk patients and preventing cardiovascular disease, Australian-led modelling has found.

Researchers used UK Biobank data on 10,000 patients aged 40-69 to model the impact of testing lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), which contributes to atherosclerosis but is primarily determined by genetics rather than lifestyle.

Of this cohort, 1807 had an Lp(a) level of 50mg/dL or higher but were not recommended for standard pharmacological treatment based on European CVD prevention guidelines, the Monash University-led team said.

The researchers modelled what would happen if, following Lp(a) testing, these patients were reclassified into the ‘very-high-risk’ group based on their Lp(a) levels, and started on standard treatment — a high-intensity statin plus hypertension treatment if their systolic blood pressure was 140mmHg or higher.