Lp(a) Discovery Project

Lipoprotein (a), also known as Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that is genetically inherited and is a common independent risk factor for heart disease. Having elevated Lp(a) can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (source).

The American Heart Association® (AHA) is leading an initiative to better understand system level practice patterns for patients tested for elevated Lp(a) and to develop national models for Lp(a) testing.

Our objectives as an initiative are to:

• Improve number of patients identified and screened for Lp(a)
• Improve processes and practice patterns
• Improve clinical pathways and processes to impact patient outcomes
• Improve data resources and innovate Lp(a)-focused discovery through a national Data Challenge

As an enhancement to this work, the AHA launched the Lp(a) CHC Discovery Project which seeks to identify various approaches and barriers to testing for Lp(a) within community health centers.

The resources in this toolkit have been created and assembled by the AHA, its volunteer medical professionals from across the country, and the hospitals participating in this initiative. The materials are for educational purposes only. The content provided in this toolkit does not constitute an endorsement or instruction by the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.