Heart CT Imaging Study to Detect Early Coronary Artery Disease in Adults 50 Years and Older with High or Low Lipoproteina Identified Through Family Screening

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study lipoproteina, or Lpa, a type of cholesterol that can raise the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Many people with high Lpa do not know they have it because it often causes no symptoms and is not routinely tested. The study focuses on family members of patients with high Lpa identified through a screening program at Amsterdam UMC, comparing those with high versus low Lpa levels to see if high levels relate to early heart disease signs. Participants are divided into two groups based on their Lpa levels those with elevated levels 150 nmolL and those with normal levels <50 nmolL. Both groups include individuals aged 50 or older without a history of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The study involves non-invasive heart imaging scans, including calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography, to detect early artery changes and plaque buildup. During the study, participants receive comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations such as blood tests and heart scans to measure plaque presence, volume, and characteristics. Researchers will assess the number of participants with coronary plaque and other plaque features using CT scans. The study does not use medications or invasive procedures, and participation involves providing informed consent and complying with study requirements. The goal is to enhance early detection of heart disease risk in families affected by high Lpa.

Heart CT Imaging to Detect Early Coronary Artery Disease in First-Degree Relatives With High or Low Lipoprotein(a) Identified Through Family Screening