Correlations Between Coronary Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Calcium Score, and Lipoprotein(a) Level in Korea

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic valve calcification. This study aimed to determine the correlation between Lp(a) levels and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS: This was a single-center observational study. The patients had not been previously diagnosed with CAD and underwent CCTA and Lp(a) measurement in a three-month timeframe. Coronary angiography and further management were performed according to the physician’s decision. Of the 252 patients, 81 and 171 patients underwent coronary revascularization and received medical treatment only, respectively. To examine the relationship between Lp(a) and CAC score and between Lp(a) and CAD, we divided the patients by Lp(a) level (50 mg/dL) and CAC score (400). RESULTS: No relationship was observed between Lp(a) and CAD or other risk factors for CAD. There were no differences in the ratio of patients who underwent coronary revascularization or in the CAC score according to an Lp(a) level of 50 mg/dL. There was no difference in Lp(a) level at a CAC score of 400. The proportion of patients who underwent coronary revascularization was high in the high CAC score group (50.6% vs 23.7%, p = 0.000). No association was observed between Lp(a) level and CAC score in the Spearman correlation (0.000, p < 0.998). CONCLUSION: Correlations between Lp(a) level and CAC score and between Lp(a) and CAD were not observed in this Korean cohort study. However, a high CAC score was correlated with coronary revascularization.