How Lipoprotein(a) affects artery stiffness, blood vessel lining, and heart muscle movement
The Effect of Lipoprotein (a) on Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial Function and Left Atrial and Left Ventricular Deformation - An Observational Study.
This project will see if higher Lipoprotein(a) levels are linked to stiffer arteries, worse endothelial function, and changes in left atrial and left ventricular motion in adults 18–75.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Athens Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Athens, Attica and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07324902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a 12-month observational project enrolling adults aged 18–75 from the outpatient cardiology clinic at Attikon University Hospital in Athens. Participants will have Lp(a) levels measured and undergo noninvasive tests of arterial stiffness, assessments of endothelial function (including glycocalyx-related measures), and echocardiographic strain imaging of left atrial and left ventricular deformation at baseline and follow-up. The study will also record major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, and acute stroke) and measure oxidative stress markers to explore correlations with Lp(a) and vascular/myocardial parameters. Standard clinical exclusions apply and data will be analyzed for associations rather than treatment effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–75 who attend the Attikon cardiology outpatient clinic, can give informed consent, and do not meet exclusion criteria are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease, severe valvular heart disease, eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, active pregnancy, or severe hepatic impairment are excluded and would not be eligible to participate or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify people with high Lp(a) who are at higher risk for vascular stiffening and heart deformation and inform earlier monitoring or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked elevated Lp(a) to higher cardiovascular risk and some lipid-lowering agents can reduce Lp(a), but direct evidence tying Lp(a) to arterial stiffness and myocardial deformation is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults participants 18-75 years old * Willing to sign the informed consent and paerticipate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * History of autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease, * Severe valvular heart disease, * severe chronic kidney disease(eGFR\<60 ml/min/1.73 m2), * Active Pregnancy * Severe hepatic impairment.
Where this trial is running
Athens, Attica and 1 other locations
- "Attikon" University General Hospital — Athens, Attica, Greece (Recruiting)
- Attikon University Hospital, 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrina University of Athens — Athens, Rimini 1, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ignatios Ikonomidis — National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Study coordinator: Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Email: ignoik@gmail.com
- Phone: +30 694 4805732
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.