Serum lipoprotein (a) in patients post myocardial infarction

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In our population Lp(a) levels behavior are unknown in patients that suffered a prior myocardial infarction. Objective: To determine serum concentrations of Lp(a) in patients post myocardial infarction. Material and Methods. We performed a clinical study, in 105 postinfarction patients (70 men and 35 women)> 18 years who attend the emergency department of Southern General Hospital by signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction (confirmed by 12-D EKG and enzymes testing) and 101 clinically healthy human volunteers' from the administrative staff of the University of Zulia, without ischemic heart disease with similar age, sex, race and psychobiological of the study sample. Lp(a) determination was achieved using a commercial ELISA kit and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile were determine by enzymatic-colorimetric assay. Results. The levels of Lp(a) in patients with prior IM were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control subjects (56.6 mg/dL vs. 21.8 mg/dL). The RR level increased for a Lp (a) >= 25 mg/dL was maintained between 2.4 and 2.6. The OR showed a progressive and directly proportional increase with of Lp(a) levels being more significant when Lp(a) concentration was above 40 mg/dL with a OR of 9.7. Glucose levels (168.5 +/- 9.3 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: In patients who had a prior myocardial infarction, levels of Lp (a) were significantly higher than healthy control individuals.