Internal Reference Number: FOI_9045
Date Request Received: 18/11/2025 00:00:00
Date Request Replied To: 10/12/2025 00:00:00
This response was sent via: By Email
Request Summary: Lipoprotein(a) policies and testing
Request Category: Companies
| Question Number 1: In follow up to our previous freedom of information request (Management of patients with ASCVD and Lipoprotein(a) testing鈥�) submitted in December 2024, please could we submit the following additional questions regarding lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) testing at you organisation. Does 91影视 NHS Foundation Trust test patients for raised levels of lipoprotein(a)? Yes /. No | |
| Answer To Question 1: Yes | |
| Question Number 2: Does 91影视 NHS Foundation Trust have any guidelines or policies for the treatment of patients diagnosed with elevated* levels of lipoprotein(a)? *Elevated Lp(a) defined as >90 nmol/L. Yes / No If Yes please provide a copy | |
| Answer To Question 2: This is the guidance that we are following. Speaking to our lipid nurse specialist, it has been updated with the new ranges. Apparently the National change was around the cut off for initiating further action/treatment. So in effect this is what we are operating to. Lipoprotein (a) Lipoprotein (a) is a heritable LDL-like particle, recently recognised as a significant cardiovascular risk factor. It has been implicated in infiltration and promoting inflammation in artery walls and prothrombotic effects through disruption of the fibrinolytic cascade. Patient friendly info Lipoprotein (a) is an additional cardiovascular risk factor measured by a blood test. It鈥檚 a lot like LDL cholesterol (sometimes called 鈥榖ad cholesterol鈥�) but it鈥檚 more 鈥榮ticky鈥�. If you have high levels of lipoprotein (a) in your blood, it can stick to your artery walls and clog them up, leading to heart disease and stroke at a young age. It can be useful in screening somebody to help assess their future risk in elevated cholesterol situations. Lp(a) interpretation 32-90 nmol/L 鈥� minor increase in cardiovascular risk 90-200 nmol/L - moderate increase in cardiovascular risk - suggest screening of first-degree relatives from this level 200-400 nmol/L 鈥� high increase in cardiovascular risk 400 nmol/L - very high increase in cardiovascular risk Family screening All first-degree relatives - siblings and children - would benefit from further investigation to identify any possible increase in cardiovascular complication risk associated with lipid/blood fats elevation. This would involve a non-fasting blood sample for full lipid profile, including measurement of triglycerides and calculation of LDL, at their local GP, with addition of Lipoprotein(a) measurement as well if applicable, to allow the GP to decide on the appropriateness of local lipid clinic referral. We are currently updating our documentation so do not have a copy available. | |
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Our staff at 91影视 District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
