Lipoprotein(a) and ultrasonographically determined early atherosclerotic changes in the carotid and femoral artery

Summary Recent studies suggest that high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] plasma levels are associated with symptomatic ischemic cardiovascular disease. We examined whether Lp(a) plasma levels are associated with early atherosclerotic vessel wall changes in a group of asymptomatic subjects. In a group of 142 asymptomatic men, the intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery, the carotid bifurcation and the common femoral artery was determined by B-mode ultrasonography. In addition to Lp(a) levels, established risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels were determined. Lipoprotein(a) values ranged from 2 mg L−1 to 900 mg L−1 (median 145 mg L−1). Linear regression analysis showed a clear association of IMT with the established risk factors but not with Lp(a) [regression coefficient carotid artery −0.0003, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.002–0.001; regression coefficient femoral artery −0.0003, 95% CI −0.004–0.003]. We found no increased intima-media thickness in the carotid or femoral artery at high levels of Lp(a). Lipoprotein(a) levels are not associated with early atherosclerotic vessel wall changes in the carotid or femoral artery.