FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla., November 4, 2025 – The Family Heart Foundation, a pioneering research, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to genetic dyslipidemias, has officially announced the launch of its latest public health campaign titled the Lp(a) AW(a)RE™ initiative. This groundbreaking program is intended to significantly elevate the understanding, screening, and diagnosis rates for elevated lipoprotein(a), commonly abbreviated as Lp(a), a genetic variant substantially linked with increased cardiovascular risk. Current epidemiological data suggests that roughly one-fifth of the American population carries a genetic mutation responsible for high Lp(a) levels; however, screening rates remain at a starkly low 1% within the general population, and only 2% among those already diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This initiative aims to bridge this glaring gap through multi-faceted outreach and education.
The importance of the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative is underscored by the involvement and financial sponsorship of Eli Lilly and Company, marking a significant collaboration between nonprofit advocacy and the pharmaceutical industry. The program is designed explicitly for primary care clinicians, healthcare insurers, and policymakers across the United States. It encompasses a series of educational symposia embedded within leading medical conferences nationwide, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and raising awareness about Lp(a) among healthcare professionals. These conferences offer free Lp(a) screenings alongside comprehensive educational materials, underscoring the program’s commitment to tangible, actionable interventions.
Katherine Wilemon, the founder and CEO of the Family Heart Foundation, stressed the critical role of this program in tackling the pervasive burden of cardiovascular disease in the U.S., where it accounts for one in every three deaths. She articulated a strong vision for the initiative focusing on the prevention of premature cardiovascular events by accelerating the identification and management of genetic risk factors such as elevated Lp(a). By combining patient narratives, expert medical presentations, and direct screenings, Lp(a) AW(a)RE aims to revolutionize clinical understanding and eventually reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed cases within high-risk populations.
Elevated lipoprotein(a) represents a triple threat in cardiovascular pathology due to its potential to promote thrombosis, atherogenesis, and arterial inflammation. These three interconnected biological processes collectively accelerate the onset and progression of ASCVD, often manifesting aggressively in younger individuals. The clinical challenge lies in the fact that those with high Lp(a) levels frequently fail to meet low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets, leaving them vulnerable to recurrent primary and secondary cardiovascular events. This observation highlights a significant unmet need for early diagnosis and personalized LDL-C management strategies in these patients.
From a biochemical standpoint, Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle with an apolipoprotein(a) molecule covalently bound to apolipoprotein B-100. This unique structure contributes to its atherogenic and thrombogenic properties, distinct from other lipoproteins. The pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic effects of Lp(a) arise from its ability to infiltrate arterial walls, promoting foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet aggregation. These pathological changes underscore why elevated levels predispose individuals to premature coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, reinforcing the need for targeted detection and intervention.
Despite the clear clinical implications, Lp(a) is not routinely measured in standard lipid panels, leading to under-recognition among healthcare providers. Current clinical guidelines often do not universally recommend Lp(a) screening, partly due to a historical lack of consensus and payer reimbursement issues. Compounding this problem is the insufficient understanding among clinicians regarding the interpretation of Lp(a) levels and their integration into cardiovascular risk assessment models. However, emerging evidence indicates that aggressive management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors—such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking cessation—can attenuate the risk associated with elevated Lp(a), making early identification all the more crucial.
The Family Heart Foundation’s initiative also aims to address systemic barriers within health insurance frameworks. Many payers do not currently authorize coverage for Lp(a) testing, deeming it experimental or non-essential. This has resulted in significant access disparities, particularly disadvantaging populations at high genetic risk. By engaging policymakers and insurance providers, the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative seeks to push for comprehensive coverage policies that facilitate widespread Lp(a) screening and integrate it into routine cardiovascular risk stratification.
Looking ahead, the Family Heart Foundation plans to expand its awareness efforts with an “Lp(a) Awareness to Action” campaign slated for early 2026. This upcoming phase will include the launch of a dedicated consumer-facing website alongside a free, at-home Lp(a) testing program. These innovative features will be supplemented by personalized support services through the Foundation’s Care Navigation Center, designed to guide individuals through risk interpretation, lifestyle modifications, and treatment pathways. This approach aligns with a patient-centric model of care, empowering individuals with actionable knowledge and resources.
The efforts of the Family Heart Foundation are built upon a robust legacy of advancing research and advocacy related to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Lp(a). Since its establishment in 2011 as the FH Foundation, the organization has employed real-world evidence and patient-driven strategies to dismantle barriers in the diagnosis and management of inherited lipid disorders. It functions as an intersectional hub involving patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to foster education, drive legislative change, and propel innovative research forward.
The clinical community recognizes that genetic dyslipidemias, including elevated Lp(a), transcend traditional cardiovascular risk paradigms due to their hereditary nature and lifelong impact. As such, the Foundation’s work emphasizes the genetic underpinnings of ASCVD, promoting screening cascades within families to detect at-risk individuals earlier and implement preventative strategies. This cascade testing paradigm represents a shift towards precision cardiology, where genetic profiling informs individualized management plans to curb premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Overall, the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative represents a critical, timely response to a significant public health challenge. By enhancing awareness, streamlining screening protocols, and advocating for systemic policy change, the program endeavors to recalibrate cardiovascular risk assessment standards nationally. The synergistic partnership with pharmaceutical innovators, healthcare providers, and policymakers promises to accelerate clinical translation of Lp(a) science and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
The Family Heart Foundation invites physicians, insurers, policy leaders, and the public to engage actively in this multi-year campaign. As new diagnostic tools, therapeutic options, and educational materials continue to evolve, the Foundation remains committed to demystifying the complexities of elevated lipoprotein(a) and reducing the global burden of inherited cardiovascular disease.
Subject of Research: Genetic Dyslipidemias and Lipoprotein(a) in Cardiovascular Disease
Article Title: Family Heart Foundation Launches Lp(a) AW(a)RE Initiative to Transform Cardiovascular Risk Screening and Diagnosis
News Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Web References:
– Family Heart Foundation: https://familyheart.org/
– Research on Lp(a): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27998826/
Keywords: Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), Cardiovascular Disease, Genetic Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDL Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk Screening, Health Care Policy, Patient Advocacy, Health Equity, Primary Care
