ASSOCIATION OF LP(A) WITH THE EXTENT OF CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN AN IRANIAN POPULATION

In many studies, Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the association between Lp(a) and cervical carotid artery stenosis in one sample the Iranian population. As a cross sectional study, between June 2004 and January 2005, at Tehran Heart Center, 1189 candidates for any kind of open heart surgery, were recruited into this study. Carotid Dopplers ultrasonography was performed for all participants. Serum levels of Lp(a), total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar and quantitative CRP were measured in fasting state and their correlations with carotid atherosclerosis were assessed. Among 1189 participants, 837 (70.5%) were male and 352 (29.4%) were female. Their mean age was 60±9.3 years (range between 35 to 88). There was not significant relation between Lp(a) serum levels and carotid artery stenosis (P=0.46). The relationship between Lp(a) levels and carotid artery stenosis in both ≤55 years and >55 years patients was not significant too (P=0.25). Also gender has no relationship in this regard (P=0.15). Significant relationship was found between Lp(a) level & hypoecho plaques (vulnerable lesions) (P=0.001). In our study, we found no significant correlation between serum Lp(a) and carotid stenosis. Lp(a) was found to have positive relationship with hypoecho plaques (vulnerable lesions) which predispose patients for CVA. Further investigations suggest for better evaluations.