ABSTRACT
Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important and independent cardiovascular risk factor, but its role in the development of coronary vascular disease in hypertensives have conflicting results. Adequate studies have not been conducted on the Lp(a) in essential hypertensive patients. Aims and Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between plasma Lp (a) and lipid levels in essential hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 essential arterial hypertensive patients were studied and compared with 30 controls matched in terms of age, sex and body mass index. Results: It was seen that mean level of Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Very Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol were elevated in hypertensive patients as compared to controls, but the levels were not statistically significant. Taking 30 mg/dl as the cut off value of Lp(a), majority of the patients had levels more than 30 mg/dl (P<0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that significantly elevated serum Lp(a) level can be a independent risk factor for coronary vascular diseases in essential hypertensive patients.