This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR Grant No. 177747) and Mitacs Inc. (IT44473 / UBC No. F22-01762). It was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, and can be accessed here.

Long COVID continues to affect millions of people worldwide, yet the biological changes underlying the persistent symptoms that people experience are still not well understood. One major challenge is the lack of reliable biomarkers—biological signs or molecules, measured in the body—that could help improve diagnosis and guide care. Most biomarker studies have focused on hospitalized patients with severe disease, leaving non-hospitalized populations, particularly healthcare workers, who are at high occupational risk, underrepresented. These workers are an important group to study as they have high exposure risk and frequent reports of long-lasting symptoms.

Recent work suggests that long COVID occurs because of persistent viral reservoirs (sites where viruses persist, evading the immune system) and immune dysregulation, leading to chronic inflammation and blood vessel injury.

_{“My name is Estefanía Espín, and I am a PhD student in the Tebbutt Lab at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation. Our lab, in collaboration with the PROOF Centre of Excellence, focuses on the analysis of genes, proteins, and metabolites to develop biomarkers for a range of health conditions.“}

_{“My PhD research focuses on identifying biomarkers for long COVID. As part of this work, I conducted and published a scoping review of long COVID biomarkers, followed by a qualitative study exploring the experiences of patients and clinicians and their expectations regarding biomarker research (currently under review). I also led the pilot multi-omics study that we have recently published, and I am now validating these findings in a larger independent cohort.”}

To investigate this further, we coincidentally had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Brian Grunau and Dr. David Goldfarb, researchers leading the COVID-19 Occupational Risks, Seroprevalence, and Immunity among Paramedics in Canada (CORSIP) study, a prospective longitudinal cohort of adult paramedics. The CORSIP team had collected blood samples and health questionnaire data from study participants, allowing us to access samples and data from the British Columbia cohort.

Among the 1,706 participants, we identified 17 healthcare workers with long COVID, defined according to World Health Organization guidelines. Of these, 12 had available blood samples, and all happened to have experienced non-hospitalized COVID-19. We then conducted a small exploratory study comparing biological changes in participants with long COVID to those in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 without persistent symptoms.

We analyzed two complementary biological measures: gene expression in blood cells and circulating small molecules (metabolites). For the metabolomic analysis, we also examined how these changes evolved over time using samples collected both before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We found evidence of persistent activation of immune-related pathways, particularly those linked to early inflammatory responses. Several of the affected genes we found are involved in neutrophil activity, a key component of the body’s first-line immune defense. These findings suggest that in some individuals, immune activation may persist long after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection has resolved.

At the same time, we observed changes in molecules involved in energy production, metabolism, and brain-related biochemical pathways. One metabolite in particular, oxoglutarate, showed opposite patterns over time in people with long COVID compared to those who recovered fully, suggesting differences in how the body adapts after infection.

When we integrated these immune and metabolic findings, we saw that they were connected rather than independent. The affected pathways pointed toward ongoing inflammation, cellular stress, and changes in signaling systems that may be relevant to long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and reduced cognitive function. These were the symptoms reported by the healthcare workers in this study, as seen in other non-hospitalized long COVID populations.

Overall, our exploratory work suggests that long COVID may involve coordinated changes across both the immune system and metabolism. Although larger studies should be carried out to confirm our findings, understanding these interconnected biological changes may help guide future efforts to develop better diagnostic tools and more targeted approaches to care.

Story by Basak Ashley Sahin.

Dr. Amrit Singh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and a Principal Investigator at the HLI.

As a new Principal Investigator, Amrit has actively engaged with both the trainees and center committees, making his nomination as the EDI Spotlight of the Quarter well-deserved. His presentation for the EDI seminar series, Resonant Realities: From Individual Story to Collective Empathy, was truly inspiring, showcasing his deeply human and humble approach. Here’s a closer look at Amrit and his connection to EDI.

The journey of becoming a better human being…

Amrit expresses that EDI represents the journey of becoming a better human being. He views EDI as an overarching concept that transcends the specific words of the acronym. To him, it embodies a blend of various interconnected ideas, including:

• Fostering a respectful environment
• Promoting justice
• Enhancing accessibility
• Cultivating a sense of belonging

And much more…

When the aim is learning…

Humility, Curiosity, and a Willingness to Listen…

Amrit suggests that when engaging in EDI work, we should approach it with humility, curiosity, and an openness to listen. He highlights the importance of acknowledging that we won’t always possess all the answers, as many challenges may lie beyond our personal experiences.

For Amrit, impactful EDI initiatives demand reflection, a receptiveness to feedback, and a dedication to implementing practical changes that foster more respectful, accessible, and inclusive environments.

Goodness in people, Goodness in Pho…

Amrit’s willingness to be good, do good deeds, and see the good in people is truly inspiring. If you’re hoping for a random encounter, Amrit often visits Pho Goodness on Davie, and his trainees can vouch for this!

The Bruce McManus Cardiovascular Biobank (BMCB) team returned to this year’s day-long Heart Centre Nursing Education Day at St. Paul’s Hospital. As an invited exhibitor, the BMCB hosted a Hands-On-Hearts gross anatomy booth featuring human explanted hearts.

This year the annual education day, hosted by the St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Centre and Providence Health Care, marked its 25th year with the theme of Heart Failure. The event brought together approximately 160 cardiac nurses and other health-care professionals. The attendees heard expert talks, participated in workshops, and took the opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of cardiac nursing.

The BMCB booth gave nurses a rare opportunity to examine the physical effects of advanced heart disease, including cardiomyopathies, ischemic heart disease, end-stage heart failure and implanted devices, such as left ventricular assist devices and bioprosthetic/mechanical heart valves.

One meaningful moment of the day for all was when three heart transplant recipients − Marc Bains, Dr. Jillianne Code and Naomi Lee − held their own explanted hearts. This created a special connection between not only patients and nurses but also to the research behind cardiac care.

A rare reunion with their own hearts

Dr. Jillianne Code, the president and co-founder of HeartLife Foundation, gave a presentation as a patient partner with the St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Failure and Transplant Program, sharing her experience undergoing two heart transplants. Marc Bains, the executive director and co-founder of HeartLife Foundation, staffed the HeartLife booth, connecting with nurses, sharing resources, and raising awareness about the patient experience. Naomi Lee, a HeartLife ambassador, attended as a patient advocate and nursing student.

Each recipient had previously visited the biobank to see their own explanted heart, but this was the first time the three transplant recipients shared that experience together. Holding their hearts side by side, they were able to see and compare the organs that had carried them through different journeys. The moment gave nurses a rare opportunity to hear directly from people with lived experience of advanced heart disease, mechanical circulatory support and transplant, while seeing the physical effects of those journeys in the hearts on display.

“Holding my own heart is hard to put into words,” said Marc Bains who in 2018 was the 500^th heart transplant recipient in BC. “It is emotional, humbling, and strangely peaceful. That heart carried me through the hardest years of my life. To stand there with Jillianne and Naomi, each of us with our own story, was a reminder of how much patients survive before transplant, and how much life is possible after it.”

HeartLife Foundation is one of North America’s leading patient-led heart disease charities. The organization works to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, support and educate patients, families and caregivers, and advocate for better and more equitable care.

“It was meaningful for our team to reconnect with Marc, Jillianne and Naomi, and to see them share this experience with nurses. It was a powerful reminder that each heart in the biobank is part of a unique patient story.” — Dr. Gurpreet Singhera, manager of the BMCB.

Seeing heart failure up close

Throughout the day, nurses visited the Hands-On-Hearts booth to observe, touch and ask questions about the specimens on display. The booth was hosted by BMCB team members Dr. Singhera, Coco Ng and Tiffany Chang who guided attendees through the anatomy and pathology of the hearts. For many nurses, the booth offered an experience rarely available outside an anatomy lab: seeing how disease, injury and treatment physically alter the heart.

The BMCB team thanks the St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Centre and Providence Health Care staff for hosting the event and inviting them to take part in the day!

As a thoracic surgeon in Japan, I would often see and treat patients with a past history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Deep inside, I would always think “Not again…”. Even if the patient wasn’t formally diagnosed with COPD and just had a long (sometimes extremely long) history of smoking, it would raise a flag in my mind. I knew that this person had a high risk of adhesion in their thorax and would probably suffer severe post-operative pneumonia. This pneumonia would cause a huge deterioration in their quality of life, and, even worse, could be life-threatening.

It was therefore quite exciting for me to have the chance to join HLI as a postdoctoral fellow, working on a new project aiming to develop a non-invasive treatment for emphysema. Emphysema is a specific type of COPD that involves damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. While in Japan, I had dreamed of studying abroad someday, and had been asking my professor if there was any chance to do so. Fortunately, my university has a long-standing relationship with HLI (more than 30 years!), and in 2025, I was chosen to visit the HLI as an international researcher.

In my experience, most patients with emphysema take medicine to control their symptoms without seeing actual improvement of their disease. Those who have severe symptoms may be candidates for lung volume reduction surgery, but as a surgeon, I have never seen a patient undergo this procedure. Here at HLI, we are working with an industry partner, Ikomed Technologies, to develop a treatment for emphysema and test it in animal models. We started with rodents and, over the past several years, have been conducting studies in pigs as we move closer to first-in-human trials.

As a first step, I am evaluating lung function in these animals. Since they are pigs, we cannot ask them (!) if they are feeling any symptoms or having difficulty breathing, nor can we do spirometry (a test to determine how well the lungs work).

Next, I am learning how to objectively analyze my results without bias. This is a great challenge as pig lungs are huge. If we wanted to evaluate the morphological features of the lung through a microscope, realistically we would have to collect specific areas to analyze. With the lungs being so large, how can we collect specimens uniformly? How many samples should we collect to be able to capture the characteristics for the entire lung? All of these questions are completely new to me and would never have been brought up when I was in Japan.

HLI members have given me the support and advice I need to measure histology features, such as the mean distance between each alveoli, as well as lung compliance (through plethysmography). This is a technique to measure the change in lung volume following a change in pressure. A patient/animal breathes into a mouthpiece while inside an airtight box. The change in air pressure is measured as the chest expands. There are many experts at HLI who have been working on evaluating lung function in large animals, and they have given me guidance. 

In reality most days as a researcher are not about having great ideas that can change the world or discovering one of the true mysteries of science. Instead, working with diverse team members with different backgrounds can sometimes bring unexpected viewpoints not yet considered, and lead to new ways of understanding. This process is very satisfying and can bring great joy. Coworkers can also help with presenting results in a more easily understood manner.

A year ago, while working as a physician in Japan, I could have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to work at HLI. I am grateful to have the chance to work with a great team and to be surrounded with new discoveries. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I hope I can make great progress that can help me reach new milestones in my career. While research often leads to incremental step-by-step discoveries, I hope my contributions within the next year to discovery in the realm of COPD can make a difference in disease treatment.

Story by Basak Ashley Sahin.

Tao Sun is a Data Analyst (Bioinformatician) in Dr. Ying Wang’s lab at HLI.

With experiences at multiple institutions in Canada and internationally, working in diverse, multidisciplinary teams, Tao has built a career at the intersection of medicine, bioinformatics, statistics, and data science; focusing on cardiovascular and bioinformatics research through RNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomics.

Tao holds an MD, PhD, and MSc, with a background in clinical medicine, cardiovascular surgery research, and statistics. Over the past decade, Tao has developed expertise in biostatistics and bioinformatics, focusing on cardiovascular studies, RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.

A typical day in Tao’s life as a Data Analyst involves analyzing cardiovascular datasets, developing computational pipelines for RNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomics, and collaborating with colleagues on findings that advance understanding of heart and lung diseases.

The secret to scientific discovery is collaboration

Tao is passionate about the intersection of science and collaboration, focusing on transforming intricate data into meaningful biological insights while partnering with a variety of researchers and clinicians. Tao feels fulfilled when data-driven discoveries positively impact patients and improve public health.

Tao’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journey commenced at Queen’s University in 2008, progressed at Western University starting in 2011, and thrived at McMaster University alongside the Unifor Union.

How experiences turn into advocacy

EDI has fostered inclusive spaces where Tao felt comfortable sharing ideas and learning. Working in diverse environments has broadened Tao’s perspectives, enriched collaborations, and strengthened resilience as a researcher navigating different institutional and cultural contexts.

Having encountered and navigated challenges as an international scholar and professional in Canada before joining HLI, particularly in terms of cultural adaptation and acknowledgment of previous experiences, Tao is inspired to foster a more inclusive environment for others.

At HLI, Tao hopes to design and support initiatives that amplify diverse voices and ensure an inclusive research culture.

A moment of pride

Small actions, lasting impacts

Tao recommends that anyone striving to enhance EDI should begin with small, consistent efforts. Simple actions, such as actively listening and amplifying underrepresented voices, and acknowledging contributions can create significant and lasting change.

Outside of the lab

Outside work, Tao enjoys reading, sports, and exploring Vancouver’s food scene. Tao likes spending time with friends, exploring nature around Vancouver, playing sports like ping pong and swimming, and discovering local Asian cuisine spots that which remind him of home and connect him to Vancouver’s multicultural community.

Story by Basak Ashley Sahin. Edited by Tiffany Chang.

When Asma Tanveer moved to Canada from Pakistan 10 years ago, she brought with her a master’s degree in biotechnology and a passion for scientific research and its impact. Like many newcomers, she faced significant challenges in navigating credential recognition, an unfamiliar academic system, and the absence of accessible professional networks.

Asma is one of many trainees at HLI with a unique background and perspective. In June 2025, she was named HLI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Person of the Quarter in recognition of her leadership, mentorship, and efforts to foster a more inclusive environment.

At HLI, Asma works on airway epithelial repair and drug responses in asthma models as a master’s student in the Dorscheid Lab in UBC’s Experimental Medicine program. She also contributes to outreach and mentorship through initiatives such as Geneskool: a Genome BC program that introduces high school students to genomics and biomedical research.

From personal experience to advocacy

Asma’s commitment to EDI is shaped by lived experience. “My commitment to EDI began with the realization that too many talented individuals are overlooked – not for lack of ability, but because of who they are. Having felt that invisibility myself, I was driven to act,” she says.

Since then, she has mentored women in science, contributed to outreach through Geneskool, and advocated for inclusion grounded in empathy and shared experience. “For me, EDI isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility to ensure everyone feels they belong.”

Her journey into biomedical research was shaped by mentors who offered support at key moments. She first connected with Dr. Sima Allahverdian, a former HLI researcher, through a mutual friend. Though Dr. Allahverdian had already relocated to Toronto, she generously offered guidance – recommending courses and encouraging Asma to pursue volunteer experience.

That connection led to an introduction to Dr. Gurpreet Singhera, a research associate at HLI and a manager of the Bruce McManus Cardiovascular Biobank. “Even with her full schedule, Dr. Singhera always made time for answering my emails or meeting for a coffee chat,” she says. “She helped me strengthen my application, introduced me to Dr. Del Dorscheid, and believed in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the lab.”

With their support, she joined the Dorscheid Lab as a graduate student. Looking back, she credits both mentors not only for their guidance but for modelling what inclusive mentorship looks like in practice. “Their belief in me made a lasting impact. It’s part of why I now feel so strongly about creating that same sense of welcome for others.”

Leading by example

Asma’s advocacy now includes mentoring early-career researchers, promoting inclusive lab practices, and contributing to outreach that reflects the diversity of communities served by HLI.

“EDI has shaped not just how I work, but why I work,” she says.“It’s helped me find mentors who value potential over credentials and communities that see difference as a strength. “

She believes inclusion begins with how people are welcomed and supported. “Sometimes, what holds people back isn’t a lack of talent, but a lack of confidence or the right platform to express themselves,” she says. “When we support others with respect and openness, we create the kind of environment where people feel seen – and when they feel seen, they shine. When they shine, we all benefit.”

That perspective was reinforced during a Mentor Walk session hosted by Tech2Step, where she was invited to speak on a science outreach panel. As the only racialized woman present – visibly Muslim, hijab-wearing, and of Pakistani and South Asian background – Asma says the moment reminded her that she was representing more than just herself.

“After the session, several attendees, especially young women, told me how much it meant to see someone who looked like them in that space. I realized I was part of something larger, a reflection of what’s possible.”

Creating space for others to thrive

Asma encourages others to take action, regardless of role or title. 

“Start where you are. Improving EDI doesn’t require a title – small, consistent actions can create meaningful change. Your intention matters. The way you speak, listen, and show up shapes how others feel.”

She shares that there are many ways to contribute. She regularly offers coffee chats, connects friends and peers with professional opportunities, and volunteers as a parent at her children’s Catholic school and church events. She also leads an Islamic teaching circle in Vancouver – a space for reflection, learning and community building.

“In all spaces, I try to be of service in ways that honour others’ values and experiences – just as I hope mine are respected,” she says. “And I encourage others to do the same.”

Outside of the lab

Outside of her research and outreach work, Asma enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. They often play badminton together or unwind over a meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory, a family favourite in Vancouver. 

“My family is my greatest source of strength and motivation,” she says. 

Through her work, mentorship and advocacy, Asma Tanveer continues to advance both scientific inquiry and a culture of belonging, demonstrating that research and equity go hand in hand.

If someone had told me back in my university days in India that I would one day be working with human hearts and lungs, I would have laughed in disbelief. Back then, the world of cardiopulmonary research seemed galaxies away from the microbiology degree I was pursuing.

Life, however, has a way of surprising us. In the summer of 1996, I immigrated to Canada, armed with a PhD in Microbiology, a daunting leap into a new country and a new future. In January 1997, I began my research career at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Microbiology. Those early years were a mix of learning and transition, marked by both professional growth and personal milestones, including a period of maternity leave that reshaped my perspective on work-life balance and resilience.

In August 2000, I joined what was then the McDonald Research Laboratories, today known as the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI). Walking into the Centre for the first time, I remember feeling both nervous and hopeful. What I didn’t know then was that this place would become my second home in Canada, a space where my professional identity would take root and flourish.

My journey at HLI began in pulmonary research under the mentorship of Dr. Del Dorscheid, who placed his trust in me as a Research Associate and his lab manager. I took on both independent projects and collaborative research initiatives. His faith in me taught an enduring lesson: growth often begins when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself.

In academia, research careers depend on funding cycles, shifting priorities, and constant change. With that understanding, I sought to broaden my expertise and prepare for new directions. I had always been fascinated by the work being done in the Cardiovascular Tissue Registry (CVTR) at HLI now known as the Bruce McManus Cardiovascular Biobank (BMCB). When the opportunity arose, I became a member of the explanted heart retrieval team. Today, as the manager of the BMCB, I am not only part of the exciting advancements in the cardiovascular field, but I also witness the human side of science every day. When heart transplant recipients visit the biobank to see the heart that once sustained them, their stories of gratitude and resilience remind me that research isn’t only about experiments or data, it is about people and their wellness.

Beyond research, I have always believed in the importance of mentorship and giving back. Since 2008, I have helped organize HLI’s High School Student Week Mentorship Program, which introduces Grade 11 and 12 students into biomedical research. Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring more than 250 students. Watching them discover their passion and pursue their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Soon, HLI will transition from its historic downtown Vancouver location to the Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC) at the new St. Paul’s Hospital. It will be a shift from a historic location to one that is futuristic, and I am excited and grateful to be part of this transition. Still, the walls of our current home hold memories that will always stay with me.

In August 2025, I celebrated twenty-five years at HLI, a milestone that fills me with immense gratitude. Looking back over these two and a half decades, I am thankful for the mentors who guided me, and for the colleagues who became lifelong friends. Leaving my family and friends in India was one of the hardest choices I ever made, but the community I found at HLI filled that space with belonging and purpose.

HLI has taught me far more than science. It has helped foster my development as a leader, strengthened my resilience, and deepened my gratitude. It has shown me that growth does not happen in isolation, it happens in communities that believe in one another. For me, that community has always been HLI, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

Doctors often use a routine lipid panel – a blood test that measures levels of fat in the blood – to assess cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Among the many numbers a lipid panel reports, one is often missing despite its strong ability to predict heart disease. That number is Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). Though elevated Lp(a) levels are found in around 1.6 billion people globally, it is almost never measured. 

A recent review paper published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, led by physician-scientists at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI) and McGill University, argues that it is time to change how and when we test for this overlooked risk factor. 

The review, written by Drs. Iulia Iatan and Gordon Francis, with co-authors Drs. Liam Brunham and John Mancini, presents a comprehensive case for testing Lp(a). It draws on clinical guidelines, epidemiologic and genetic data, and public health principles.

As Dr. Gordon Francis notes, “It is now recommended that Lp(a) be measured at the same time as the first cholesterol profile.”

How Lp(a) is unique and why it matters

Lp(a) is not your typical cholesterol biomarker. Unlike low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol that raises heart disease risk and can change with diet or lifestyle changes – Lp(a) levels are genetically determined and remain stable throughout life.

Years of large-scale and genetic studies have shown that Lp(a) is an independent, causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. In other words, Lp(a) is associated with the development of both blocked arteries and narrowing of the heart valves. The higher someone’s Lp(a) is, the greater their risk is. Importantly, this risk is present even in individuals with low LDL cholesterol levels.

“The risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with markedly elevated Lp(a) is equal to that of untreated familial hypercholesterolemia.” – Dr. Gordon Francis

The authors cite a major study of 5.5 million U.S patients, where less than 1% had their Lp(a) levels measured. Yet, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people worldwide have elevated levels (Lp(a) > 125 nmol/L), making it as common as high blood pressure or smoking in some populations.

The evidence is clear, but underused

When evaluating Lp(a) against classical and modern population-level screening principles, the authors’ conclusion was clear: Lp(a) screening checks nearly every box. It is common, easy to measure with a reliable and simple blood test, provides actionable information to guide patient care, and is cost-effective.

In British Columbia, a one-time Lp(a) test costs just $29.61. As the authors note, “the value of knowing the result of the test is likely to be higher than the cost of the test.” That value includes helping doctors better predict who is most at risk so that they can intervene earlier and potentially prevent cardiovascular events and reduce associated healthcare costs.

While there is not yet an approved treatment that directly lowers Lp(a), several therapies are in late-stage clinical trials and expected to report outcomes within the next year. Still, the authors emphasize that Lp(a) testing can already be useful in informing care. Knowing a patient’s Lp(a) level can help clinicians decide whether to lower other modifiable risk factors more intensively, such as lowering LDL cholesterol levels or prioritizing imaging.

Test results can also prompt screening of family members, especially when there is history of premature cardiovascular disease or inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia).

According to Dr. Iulia Iatan, “When we identify a patient with elevated Lp(a), it’s not just about that individual – it’s an opportunity to screen family members and intervene earlier.”

As Dr. Francis notes, “When elevated Lp(a) is found, it is recommended to review the family history for premature cardiovascular events, try to reduce all other risk factors like smoking or elevated blood pressure, possibly perform a blood vessel imaging study like a carotid ultrasound or coronary calcium score, and consider initiating statin therapy to mitigate the risk of the high Lp(a).”

Global guidelines already recommend Lp(a) screening

International guidelines are beginning to reflect the growing consensus on the importance of Lp(a). Canadian and European lipid guidelines, as well as the American National Lipid Association, now recommend one-time Lp(a) testing for all adults, preferably when they get their first lipid panel.

Yet, as the paper highlights, “this recommendation has not been incorporated into a formalized screening programme in any health jurisdiction to our knowledge.” The authors suggest that Lp(a) testing could serve as a catalyst to reevaluate how lipids are screened at the population level.

Awareness isn’t enough

The authors conclude with a clear call to action: “The time has come to qualify Lp(a) as a routine screening test for cardiovascular risk assessment based on these cornerstone criteria.”

This paper reflects the ongoing leadership of physician-scientists at HLI, who continue to shape the future of proactive preventive medicine. Their efforts are helping change how inherited cardiovascular risks are detected, managed, and ultimately prevented in routine care.

Take a look at the full open-access article here:

Iulia Iatan, Marlys L Koschinsky, Logan Trenaman, Wei Zhang, George Thanassoulis, Liam R Brunham, G B John Mancini, Gordon A Francis, Rationale for the routine screening of Lipoprotein(a) in cardiovascular risk assessment, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2025;, zwaf342, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf342