In 1,561 people after a heart attack, median Lp(a) stayed flat, and about one in three changed category by follow-up

What the research found

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology published a cohort study on 8 November 2026. Tabassome Simon, Franck Boccara, and colleagues enrolled consecutive adults hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction at 21 French centers (FRENCHIE-Lp(a)). Among 1,561 people, mean age was 61 years (standard deviation 12), and 21.3 percent were women. Lipoprotein(a) was measured at admission, at hospital discharge, and at 3 to 12 months. Median Lp(a) was 13 mg/dL at admission, and the median change over time was 0 mg/dL. Only 68.5 percent of people stayed in the same band. The bands were 20 mg/dL or lower, above 20 up to 50, above 50 up to 70, and above 70. Using the follow-up value as the reference, discharge Lp(a) at or under 37 mg/dL covered 72.5 percent of the group, and 0.97 percent of those people were above 70 mg/dL later. Among people above 37 mg/dL at discharge, 39.9 percent were above 70 mg/dL at follow-up. The authors describe a two-step check, discharge first and a repeat only above 37 mg/dL, and they say it needs external validation before use. This is a description of how the number moves. It is not a target for care. Registration NCT04050956. DOI 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag573. Not medical advice.

Evidence level: Human study. A study in people, but an association isn't proof of cause.

Read the original at European Journal of Preventive Cardiology