Lp(a) Testing in Latin America: Low Awareness and Clinicalpractice Among Medical Society Physicians Highlight a Missed Opportunity in Cardiovascular Prevention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In Latin America (LATAM), the level of awareness and clinical implementation of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) testing among physicians remain largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, frequency of use, and clinical management practices related to Lp(a) among LATAM physicians.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, 36-item Spanish-language online survey using convenience sampling through medical societies in twenty LATAM countries. All items were mandatory. The questionnaire included two sections based on whether respondents requested Lp(a) testing and explored barriers among nonusers.

RESULTS

A total of 512 physicians from various LATAM countries responded, with Mexico representing 75.4% of the participants. Overall, 36.7% of the physicians reported currently requesting Lp(a) testing, primarily in patients with premature cardiovascular diseases (CVD), familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), or recurrent events despite low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) at goal. Among those never ordering Lp(a) testing, the main barriers were lack of availability (57.4%) and high cost (33.6%). Knowledge gaps were identified: Only half of the respondents correctly identified Lp(a) risk thresholds or LDL-C targets. Despite this, most physicians who ordered the Lp(a) test reported taking active measures such as intensifying lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) (90%) and intensifying the management of other CV risk factors (68%) if Lp(a) was > 50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness and clinical use of Lp(a) testing among LATAM physicians remain limited and focused on high-risk scenarios. Improving test accessibility, providing clearer clinical guidelines, and reinforcing the evidence for Lp(a) as a therapeutic target may enhance its adoption and integration into cardiovascular risk assessment across the region.