Elevated Lp(a) and Diabetes Synergistically Increase Mortality Risk in CAD, reports research

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-04-03T09:00:18+05:30 | Updated On 3 April 2026 9:00 AM IST

Researchers have found in a new study that among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and diabetes mellitus (DM) interact synergistically to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and managing both risk factors together to optimize overall cardiovascular care and improve outcomes.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and diabetes mellitus (DM) are independent risk factors for worse outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Evidence of their joint association is limited. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of elevated Lp(a) and DM on survival outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. This study included 65 547 coronary artery disease patients (62.6 ± 10.7 years, 27.7% female) from CIN-II and RED-CARPET cohorts. Patients were stratified into four groups by Lp(a) levels (< or ≥ 30 mg/dL) and DM status. Multivariable Cox regression models estimated associations with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, examining additive and multiplicative interactions.

Results: During a median follow-up of 5.5 years, 10 686 (16.3%) patients died from all causes and 5106 (7.8%) died from cardiovascular causes. Patients with Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and DM were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.20–1.35; aHR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.44–1.62, all p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to patients with Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL without DM, the aHRs were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.16–1.36, p < 0.001), 1.51 (95% CI: 1.40–1.62, p < 0.001) and 2.00 (95% CI: 1.83–2.18, p < 0.001) for those with Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL without DM, Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL with DM and Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL with DM, respectively. Significant additive interaction between elevated Lp(a) and DM on cardiovascular mortality was observed, with 12% of the excess risk attributed. Similar associations were observed in all-cause mortality.

In patients with coronary artery disease, elevated Lp(a) and DM act synergistically to increase the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, suggesting that both risks should be considered to integrate management.

Reference:

X. Lu, Z. Yuan, X. Lin, et al., “ Association of Elevated Lipoprotein(a) and Diabetes Mellitus With Survival Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Findings From the CIN-II and RED-CARPET Cohorts,” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2026): 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.70603.

Keywords:

X. Lu, Z. Yuan, X. Lin, Elevated Lp(a), Diabetes, Synergistically, Increase, Mortality, Risk, Coronary Artery Disease, reports, research

Elevated Lp(a)DiabetesSynergisticallyIncreaseMortalityRiskCoronary Artery Diseasereportsresearch

Source : Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.