Medical experts and health advocates have called for increased awareness and testing of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a genetic risk factor linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), during a global webinar held ahead of World Heart Day on September 29.
Hosted by Novartis in partnership with Global Heart Hub, the session titled “Introducing the Little (a) with Big Consequences” brought together scientists, policymakers, clinicians, and patient advocates to address the impact of elevated Lp(a) on global heart health.
Heart disease still leading cause
Despite being one of the most common inherited risk factors for CVD, elevated Lp(a) remains largely underdiagnosed. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the world’s leading cause of death, claiming nearly 18 million lives each year — more than all forms of cancer combined.
Recent survey data commissioned by Novartis across the Middle East and Asia Pacific shows that two-thirds of respondents skip routine heart tests. Nearly half are unaware that heart disease can be inherited, and only 7% had ever been tested for Lp(a).
“When it comes to our heart health, knowledge is power. The simple and often-overlooked test for Lp(a) is a powerful tool that can empower individuals with life-saving information. This simple blood test can provide a more comprehensive picture of your heart’s health, allowing you and your doctor to take proactive, preventive measures,” said Dr. Ronney Shantouf, Staff Physician of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Calls for routine testing
The webinar included speakers from various international health institutions who shared insights on the burden of Lp(a) and the need for its inclusion in national testing guidelines.
Nicola Bedlington, Senior Policy Advisor and Project Lead of the Lp(a) International Taskforce at FH Europe Foundation, urged policymakers to embed Lp(a) testing into cardiovascular guidelines. Zanfina Ademi, Professor of Health Economics at Monash University, highlighted its cost-effectiveness and the long-term benefits of early detection.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, yet elevated Lp(a), a highly prevalent risk factor, is not even on most people’s radar. That has to change, and the media plays a vital role in putting this hidden risk factor into the global heart health conversation,” said Neil Johnson, Executive Director of Global Heart Hub.
Regional voices join in
Experts from the Middle East and Asia Pacific, including Prof. Youngwoo Jang of Gachon University, Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar of Apollo Hospitals India, and Dr. Ronney Shantouf from Abu Dhabi, discussed the regional challenges of awareness, access, and diagnostics.
Patient advocate Ram Khandelwal also shared his story of surviving a heart attack at age 33 and founding the Heart Health India Foundation to support patients and raise awareness about Lp(a).
Survey findings also indicate rising interest in genetic screening. Around 58% of respondents expressed willingness to undergo testing, suggesting public openness to learning more about inherited heart risks.
Need for broader collaboration
“Elevated Lp(a) is a common yet still underestimated – genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” said Mohamed Ezz Eldin, GCC Cluster Head at Novartis. “There is a clear need to increase awareness, encourage routine testing, and foster stronger collaboration across healthcare systems. Early identification allows both individuals and healthcare providers to take informed, proactive steps to protect heart health. At Novartis, we are committed to working with partners across the healthcare and business ecosystem to ensure that people have access to the information and solutions that can help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
