The Hidden Genetic Threat Putting 1 in 4 at Cardiovascular Disease Risk In India: Global Experts Call for Action on Elevated Lipoprotein(a)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims nearly 18 million lives worldwide each year, with India accounting for roughly one-fifth of these deaths 1 more than all cancers combined — yet one of its critical genetic risk factors remains largely invisible. 2,3 It is estimated that approximately 25% of the Indian population has elevated lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), but is rarely tested and often overlooked in heart health strategies. 5

Ahead of World Heart Day (29 September), Global Heart Hub and Novartis convened international healthcare experts for the educational media webinar “ Introducing the Little (a) with Big Consequences, ” to spotlight elevated Lp(a) as a critical, underrecognized inherited condition that independently increases risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or