Scientists have discovered that one in every five people worldwide faces an increased risk of death from stroke and heart disease due to an inherited and hidden cholesterol risk factor. Although standard blood tests may show normal cholesterol levels, new research reveals that a specific type of cholesterol particle can pose a serious threat to heart health. Researchers identified this hidden cholesterol particle in the blood as “lipoprotein(a),” or Lp(a). Unlike typical bad cholesterol, Lp(a) contains an additional protein that makes it even more harmful to the heart and blood vessels. This condition is entirely hereditary and shows no external symptoms. Consequently, approximately 20 percent of the global population lives with this risk factor unknowingly.
This finding was presented at the 2026 “Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions” scientific conference held in Montreal, Canada. The conclusion was drawn from blood sample analyses of 20,070 adults over 40 years of age participating in three major studies conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Over nearly four years of follow-up, individuals with Lp(a) levels of 175 nmol/L or higher exhibited significant cardiovascular complications. The study found that these patients had a 49 percent higher likelihood of death from heart disease and a 64 percent increased risk of stroke. The risk was even greater for those who already had pre-existing heart conditions and elevated Lp(a) levels.
According to senior interventional cardiologist Dr. Subhash Banerjee, this research is the first to clearly establish the Lp(a) threshold at which patients face heightened risk of death and stroke. He emphasized that people of all ages can use a simple and inexpensive blood test to determine if they carry this hereditary risk factor. If high levels are detected, medical professionals recommend strict management of other risks such as LDL cholesterol and adopting measures to maintain heart health. Researchers are currently developing new targeted treatments for Lp(a), underscoring the critical importance of this information for affected patients in the future.
