Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The plasma concentration of Lp(a) is largely genetically determined but varies over a wide range within the population. This study investigated changes in Lp(a) levels after an acute myocardial infarction. Patients who underwent coronary angiography due to an ST elevation myocardial infarction were enrolled (n = 86), and Lp(a) levels were measured immediately after the intervention, one day, two days, and at a post-discharge follow-up visit at 3 to 6 months after the acute myocardial infarction. Median Lp(a) levels increased from a median of 7.9 mg/dL (3.8-37.1) at hospital admission to 8.4 mg/dL (3.9-35.4) on the following day, then to 9.3 mg/dL (3.7-39.1) on day two (p < 0.001), and to 11.2 mg/dL (4.4-59.6) at the post-discharge follow-up (p < 0.001). Lp(a) levels were the lowest during the acute myocardial infarction and started to increase significantly immediately thereafter, with the highest levels at the post-discharge follow-up. The moderate but significant increase in Lp(a) in people with acute myocardial infarction appears to be clinically relevant on an individual basis, especially when specific Lp(a) cut-off levels are supposed to determine the initiation of future treatment. Hence, a repeated measurement of Lp(a) after myocardial infarction should be performed.
Keywords: Lp(a); acute myocardial infarction; lipoprotein.