New Initiative Expands Cardiovascular Disease Screening Access

A new initiative led by the American Heart Association aims to enhance screening for elevated lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This project, named the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, is supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and seeks to raise awareness and improve screening processes within community health centers (CHCs) across the United States.

Elevated Lp(a) is an inherited condition that contributes to cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death globally. Similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, Lp(a) levels are affected by genetics rather than lifestyle choices. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans have high Lp(a) levels, yet awareness of this risk remains alarmingly low. Research indicates that less than 1% of individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have undergone testing for Lp(a).

Enhancing Screening and Decision Making

The initiative will focus not only on increasing awareness of Lp(a) but also on fostering shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients regarding Lp(a) screening and ASCVD risk management. A simple, one-time Lp(a) test can provide individuals with crucial insights about their heart disease risk, particularly for those with a family history or other risk factors.

Kaavya Paruchuri, M.D., a volunteer for the American Heart Association and clinical operations director at the cardiovascular medicine section of Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes the importance of community health centers in making this vital testing accessible. “Community health centers are essential for helping individuals take control of their heart health,” she stated.

In 2024, ten CHCs across the U.S. have already joined the project, with plans to expand by adding another ten sites this year. Participating centers have successfully implemented new Lp(a) screening protocols, leading to increased testing rates. Current participants include:

– Bay Area Community Health in Fremont, California
– Bee Busy Wellness Center in Houston, Texas
– Capital Area Health Network in Richmond, Virginia
– El Centro Family Health in Española, New Mexico
– Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers in Columbus, Ohio
– Lone Star Family Health Center in Conroe, Texas
– Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut
– Spring Branch Community Health Center in Houston, Texas
– The Chautauqua Center in Dunkirk, New York
– Westside Family Health Center in Culver City, California

Driving Awareness and Education

Launched in 2023, the Lp(a) Discovery Project serves as a precursor to the current initiative, aiming to enhance the number of patients screened for Lp(a) through professional and patient education. Insights gathered from ten health systems that established Lp(a) testing processes have been instrumental in shaping the current project. Lessons learned will be leveraged to improve screening across all participating CHCs.

Studies have shown that elevated Lp(a) significantly increases the risk of ASCVD-related events, including aortic stenosis, heart attacks, peripheral artery disease, and strokes. While treatment options for high Lp(a) are limited, some lifestyle changes and medications can help lower overall heart disease risk.

A baseline survey conducted as part of the Lp(a) Discovery Project revealed that many U.S. adults are unaware of Lp(a) and its potential link to cardiovascular risk. When informed, individuals expressed a greater willingness to discuss Lp(a) testing with their healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in raising awareness, as their recommendations and personal experiences significantly influence patients’ decisions to get tested.

Community health centers interested in participating in the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project can complete the registration form available at heart.org/LpaDiscovery. The deadline for participation is August 15, 2024. This initiative represents a vital step toward improving cardiovascular health outcomes through increased awareness and access to essential screening tools.