Elevated lipoprotein(a) and the risk of stroke in children, young adults, and the elderly

The lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] particle may impact cardiovascular risk through antifibrinolytic, proinflammatory, and proatherogenic mechanisms, through the apolipoprotein(a), oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs), and LDL components, respectively. Because it is difficult to separate these effects out in vivo, they probably contribute to various but different extents in all age groups. However, it is proposed that specific properties may predominate and manifest clinically in different age groups, with antifibrinolytic effects mainly in children, proinflammatory effects in young adults, and proatherogenic effects in the elderly.