Cardiovascular disease (CVD) results in nearly 18 million deaths globally each year, with India representing about 20% of these fatalities, surpassing all cancers combined. A significant genetic risk factor for CVD, elevated lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), affects roughly 25% of the Indian population yet is seldom tested or included in heart health strategies. In anticipation of World Heart Day on September 29, the Global Heart Hub and Novartis conducted an educational webinar titled “Introducing the Little (a) with Big Consequences” to emphasize elevated Lp(a) as a critical but often overlooked hereditary condition that raises the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.
A recent survey by Novartis found that in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, two-thirds (66%) of individuals do not undergo routine heart tests, and nearly half (45%) are unaware that genetics can influence heart disease risk. Awareness of Lp(a) is particularly low, with only 22% of respondents knowing about testing for the biomarker, and just 7% having undergone such testing. Dr. A.
Sreenivas Kumar, Director of Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, stated, “Awareness of risk factors like elevated Lp(a) is essential, as cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in India.” He highlighted that 34% of Indian patients with acute coronary syndrome have high Lp(a), and the presence of common risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension can significantly heighten the chances of heart attacks or strokes. Testing for Lp(a) is crucial for early identification of high-risk individuals to prevent avoidable cardiac events. Ram Khandelwal, Founder of Heart Health India Foundation, emphasized the need for raising awareness about the importance of a simple blood test to reveal genetic risks associated with elevated Lp(a).
Amitabh Dube, Country President & Managing Director of Novartis India, stated, “Testing for Lp(a) is a vital step in preventing heart attacks and saving lives.” The webinar gathered perspectives from patient advocacy, medical science, and healthcare policy. Ram Khandelwal shared his personal experience as a heart attack survivor and the subsequent establishment of India’s first heart patient support group. Prof. Gerald Watts discussed the genetics of elevated Lp(a) and its cardiovascular implications. Nicola Bedlington from the Lp(a) International Taskforce urged the inclusion of Lp(a) testing in national CVD guidelines to address care gaps. Prof. Zanfina Ademi discussed the cost-effectiveness of Lp(a) testing.
Experts from India, Korea, Australia, and the Middle East addressed diagnostic and management challenges related to elevated Lp(a) and the economic benefits of testing. The session ended with a collective call to action for expanding Lp(a) testing and integrating it into health systems across the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.