Lipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol carrier molecule, structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but with distinct properties predisposing it to associations with increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and aortic stenosis.1–4 However, lipoprotein(a) levels are not routinely checked, although there is a known pattern of genetic inheritance.5 We present a case of a young patient with purported cryptogenic stroke and a family history of cardiovascular disease, which was attributed to elevated lipoprotein(a) levels.
Lipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol carrier molecule, structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but with distinct properties predisposing it to associations with increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and aortic stenosis.1–4 However, lipoprotein(a) levels are not routinely checked, although there is a known pattern of genetic inheritance.5 We present a case of a young patient with purported cryptogenic stroke and a family history of cardiovascular disease, which was attributed to elevated lipoprotein(a) levels.