One in four Indians affected by Lp(a), raising heart disease concerns: Global Heart Hub

Hyderabad/ New Delhi: Elevated Lipoprotein or Lp(a) is a genetic risk for cardiovascular diseases in India and 25 per cent of the Indian population suffers from it, according to scientists who are looking into the genetic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Ahead of World Heart Day, the scientists discussed the risk elevation in India, convened by Global Heart Hub and Novartis.

Silent killer in India

CVD is the leading cause of death globally and India accounts for a staggering one-fifth of the 18 million lives it claims annually.

Despite this, a significant genetic risk factor remains largely invisible.

Experts estimate that approximately 25 per cent of the Indian population has elevated Lp(a), yet it’s rarely tested for and often overlooked in heart health strategies.

“Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in India, and awareness of risk factors such as elevated Lp(a) is critical,” said Dr A Sreenivas Kumar, Director of Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, India.

He added that South Asians are particularly vulnerable, with 34 per cent of Indian acute coronary syndrome patients having high Lp(a). When combined with common risk factors like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases dramatically.

What is Lp(a)?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of fat and protein particle that circulates in your blood.

Lp(a) is determined by genes. High levels of Lp(a) lead to plaque building and blood clotting. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular conditions, even if your other cholesterol numbers are within a healthy range.

Call for widespread testing and awareness

The scientists and doctors said that there is an urgent need for widespread testing and public education in India.

The history of cardiovascular attacks in families must be discussed so that the generations are aware of the risk.

A recent survey by Novartis in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region revealed that two in three individuals (66%) skip routine heart tests, and nearly half (45%) don’t recognise genetics as a heart disease risk factor. Awareness of lp(a) is even lower, with only 22 per cent of respondents having heard of a test for it, and a mere 7 per cent having taken it.

“Too many people across India are unaware that a simple blood test can reveal their genetic risk from elevated Lp(a),” said Ram Khandelwal, founder of the Heart Health India Foundation, who survived a heart attack at age 33.

He stressed the need to educate communities nationwide so that early testing becomes a proactive part of heart health rather than something considered only after a major cardiac event.

There is increased notice among public of sudden heart attack but due to lack of documentation, the real numbers are only a guess.

Experts in the industry state that there is a need to tap the genetic population, as awareness will help to save lives.