Lipoprotein Lp(a) as predictor of myocardial infarction in comparison to fibrinogen, LDL cholesterol and other risk factors: results from the prospective Göttingen Risk Incidence and Prevalence Study (GRIPS).

Based on pathophysiological findings Lp(a) is considered to be a cardiovascular risk factor. The Göttingen Risk Incidence and Prevalence Study (GRIPS) provides the possibility to evaluate this impact of Lp(a) on the basis of a large prospective cohort study. GRIPS included 6002 men, aged 40-59.9 years at baseline. Data of a 5 year follow-up period is now available for > 95% of the study participants. Multivariate logistic regression models for the estimation of MI risk confirm Lp(a) as an important risk factor, ranking fifth behind LDL cholesterol, family history of MI, plasma fibrinogen and HDL cholesterol (inversely related). The GRIPS data strongly support strategies for the identification and treatment of persons at increased MI risk which focus on LDL cholesterol. However, Lp(a) and fibrinogen have to be seriously considered as additional risk factors and should be included in diagnostic panels for the estimation of MI risk.