[Lipoprotein (a): a new cardiovascular risk factor].

Lp(a) is a lipidic particle constituted of a LDL and an apo(a). This latter is a glycoprotein which shares some features with plasminogen. Several clinical studies have put forward its atherogenic properties. However neither its metabolism nor the underlying mechanism responsible for its atherogenic effect is known yet. When dosage of the Lp(a) will be widespread it should be part of cardiovascular risk assessment.