A simple Rs 300 test could save thousands of young lives, yet only 2 out of 100 people are taking it, even as cardiac arrests in people aged 20-50 soar due to high Lipoprotein-A (LPA) levels. At the Joint International Conference (JIC-2025) in Ahmedabad, doctors raised concerns over the growing number of heart attacks in young Indians caused by LPA, a cholesterol variant that remains largely undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness.
“Lipoprotein-A levels exceeding 30 mg are a significant indicator of heart attack risk, particularly in Indians, among whom LPA levels are notably high due to genetic predisposition,” said Dr Anish Chandarana, Chairman of the JIC-2025 and an interventional cardiologist at Marengo CIMS. “Every person should aim to keep their LPA levels below 20 mg. Levels above 50 mg dramatically increase the risk, particularly for individuals aged 30 to 55.”
The conference emphasised that LPA-related risks cannot be mitigated through diet or exercise alone, making early detection crucial.
Indian guidelines now recommend children as young as 10 undergo an LPA test. Dr. Chandarana told Vibes of India that this is a simple blood test available for anyone over the age of 2. The condition is genetically inherited.
“A specific medicine targeting LPA is under development and will be available soon,” Dr Chandarana revealed.
With heart attacks accounting for 70% of cardiac arrests, LPA is a key contributor yet its testing remains underutilised. The conference highlighted that only a small percentage of people opt for the test, often due to a lack of awareness.
Additionally, calcium score tests—a specialised CT scan of the heart to detect cholesterol or calcium deposits in arteries—were recommended for men over 40 and women over 45 to assess risks of arterial blockages.
Currently, cholesterol pills have limited efficacy on LPA, but they can reduce overall heart attack risks by 20–40 mg. For individuals with extremely high LPA levels (100–150 mg), low-dose aspirin can help lower the risk of blood clots.
“Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, can mitigate some risk factors, but LPA is primarily hereditary. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential,” Dr Chandarana stated.
Experts emphasised the urgency of spreading awareness about LPA, as 20% of Indians are estimated to have dangerously high levels. The conference also discussed the recent death of a young girl from cardiac arrest, underscoring the need for more accessible and routine testing.
As the medical community awaits the arrival of specific LPA-lowering drugs, the call for routine LPA testing and calcium scoring has grown louder. “Preventative measures today could save countless young lives tomorrow,” Dr Chandarana concluded.
Marengo CIMS Hospital in Ahmedabad held a three-day, 21st Joint International Conference (JIC) from January 10-12, 2025, an annual international event that drew over 3,000 doctors from across India and the world.
The event included Dr Sharad Thakar, Dr Pathik Patwari, Dr Raajiv Singhal, Mr Abhishek Kabra, Dr R. K. Patel, Dr Devendra Bhatnagar, Mr Manish Mehta, Mr Ajay Umat and Dr Manoj Aggarwal, among others.
Also Read: ABVP Calls for Regulatory Board to Oversee Gujarat’s Private Universities
