Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 23, 2025
American Heart Association Launches Initiative to Combat Hidden Heart Disease Risk
TLDR
- The American Heart Association's Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project offers a strategic advantage by identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease through a simple, one-time test.
- The Lp(a) Discovery Project involves a one-time blood test to measure lipoprotein(a) levels, aiming to improve ASCVD risk management through increased screening and shared decision-making.
- By increasing awareness and access to Lp(a) testing, the American Heart Association's initiative empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards preventing cardiovascular disease, enhancing community health.
- Discover how a simple blood test for Lp(a) can reveal your heart disease risk, with the American Heart Association leading the charge in community health centers across the U.S.
Impact - Why it Matters
This initiative is crucial because it addresses a widespread but underrecognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. By increasing awareness and accessibility of Lp(a) testing, the project empowers individuals to take proactive steps in managing their heart health, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease on communities and healthcare systems.
Summary
The American Heart Association, in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, has initiated the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project to raise awareness and improve screening for lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a significant but often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite affecting an estimated 1 in 5 Americans, less than 1% of those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are tested for Lp(a). The project aims to enhance shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients in community health centers (CHCs) across the U.S., with 20 centers participating by the end of the year. Dr. Kaavya Paruchuri emphasizes the importance of a one-time Lp(a) test for assessing heart disease risk, particularly for individuals with a family history of the condition.
Participating CHCs, including Bay Area Community Health and Bee Busy Wellness Center, have already seen success in increasing Lp(a) testing. The initiative builds on the American Heart Association's previous efforts, such as the Lp(a) Discovery Project, which focused on professional and patient education. With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death globally, understanding and managing Lp(a) levels is crucial for reducing risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other ASCVD-related events.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, American Heart Association Launches Initiative to Combat Hidden Heart Disease Risk
