Lp(a) is often overlooked and underdiagnosed despite its widespread impact. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), claiming nearly 18 million lives annually, surpasses all cancers combined. Elevated Lp(a) levels, a genetic condition, independently heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A Novartis survey across Asia Pacific and the Middle East found 66% skip heart tests, and 45% are unaware of the genetic link to heart disease. Alarmingly, only 7% have been tested for Lp(a).
On Wednesday, Novartis gathered leading experts to spotlight Lp(a), a genetic risk factor affecting 1 in 5 people globally. This event, preceding World Heart Day on September 29, is part of a campaign with Global Heart Hub to raise Lp(a) awareness and promote equitable testing and care access worldwide.
Dr. Ronney Shantouf of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi emphasized, “Knowledge is power for heart health. The Lp(a) test is a crucial tool providing life-saving insights, enabling proactive prevention.” Neil Johnson, Executive Director of Global Heart Hub, highlighted the media’s role in raising awareness of this overlooked risk factor.
The webinar featured experts like Prof. Gerald Watts and Nicola Bedlington, advocating for Lp(a) testing in national CVD guidelines. Prof. Zanfina Ademi discussed the cost-effectiveness of Lp(a) testing. Regional experts, including Prof. Youngwoo Jang and Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar, shared perspectives on diagnosis challenges in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Patient advocate Ram Khandelwal, a heart attack survivor, shared his journey and efforts to raise Lp(a) awareness through Heart Health India Foundation. Although awareness is low, 58% of survey respondents showed interest in genetic testing, highlighting an opportunity for education.
Mohamed Ezz Eldin of Novartis emphasized the need for increased awareness and routine testing, stating, “Early identification allows informed, proactive steps to protect heart health. Novartis is dedicated to ensuring access to information and solutions to reduce CVD burdens.”
