New Initiative Increases Cardiovascular Disease Screening in Communities

A new project aims to enhance screening for lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a significant marker for cardiovascular disease, within community health centers (CHCs) across the United States. The initiative, known as the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, is spearheaded by the American Heart Association and is supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This effort seeks to raise awareness of Lp(a) and facilitate better decision-making regarding cardiovascular health.

Elevated levels of Lp(a) are recognized as an independent genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death and disability globally. Unlike other cholesterol markers, Lp(a) is not influenced by lifestyle changes, making awareness and screening critical. Experts estimate that approximately 1 in 5 Americans has high Lp(a) levels, yet awareness of this risk is alarmingly low. Research indicates that fewer than 1% of individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are tested for Lp(a), underscoring the urgent need for increased screening.

The initiative aims to improve the screening process by fostering communication between healthcare professionals and patients in CHCs about Lp(a) testing and ASCVD risk management. A simple, one-time test can offer crucial insights into an individual’s heart health, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular issues or other risk factors. As Dr. Kaavya Paruchuri, a volunteer for the American Heart Association and director of the Lipid Apheresis Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated, “Community health centers are vital for making this important tool available to more people and helping individuals take control of their heart health.”

The project’s rollout began in 2024, with ten CHCs initially participating. This year, an additional ten sites will join the initiative. The current participating CHCs have successfully implemented new Lp(a) screening protocols, resulting in increased testing and awareness among patients. Some of the health centers involved 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

In 2023, the American Heart Association launched the Lp(a) Discovery Project, gathering insights from ten health systems that have established successful Lp(a) testing processes. The lessons learned from this initiative are expected to drive improvements across the participating CHCs in the current project. Studies have demonstrated that high Lp(a) levels significantly increase the risk for ASCVD-related events, including heart attacks and strokes. While treatment options for elevated Lp(a) are limited, some lifestyle changes and medications can help manage 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 implications for cardiovascular health. A lack of urgency regarding testing is evident, as individuals do not typically associate elevated Lp(a) levels with their cardiovascular risk. When individuals do make the connection, they often seek consultations with their healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source for information regarding Lp(a), and their recommendations play a crucial role in encouraging patients to get screened.

Community health centers interested in joining this important initiative can express their interest by completing a form available at heart.org/LpaDiscovery. The deadline for participation is August 15. This initiative represents a significant step toward improving cardiovascular health awareness and management in communities across the United States.