Clinical correlates of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B levels in patients with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with residual cardiovascular risk persisting despite optimized lipid-lowering therapy. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) have emerged as independent, causal biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, reflecting atherogenic particle burden beyond conventional lipid measures. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, metabolic, and biochemical correlates of Lp(a) and ApoB levels in patients with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational analysis was performed in 153 adults evaluated for cardiometabolic risk. Anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. Correlation analyses were conducted to identify associations between lipoproteins and metabolic variables. Decision tree regression was used to explore distribution patterns of Lp(a) and ApoB variability.

RESULTS

The study population exhibited a mean age of 57.9 ± 12.3 years, with a predominance of dyslipidemia (79.1%) and established cardiovascular disease (75.2%). The mean Lp(a) concentration was 30.14 ± 31.50 mg/dL, while ApoB averaged 119.87 ± 36.01 mg/dL. ApoB correlated significantly with total cholesterol (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Decision tree analysis identified GGT, creatinine, and uric acid as factors that influence of Lp(a) variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Both hepatic and renal function markers significantly modulate Lp(a) levels, while ApoB remains a robust indicator of atherogenic particle load. Integrating Lp(a) and ApoB assessment into cardiovascular risk profiling may improve identification of residual risk and guide personalized therapeutic strategies in dyslipidemic populations.