The Family Heart Foundation, a prominent research and advocacy organization, has announced the successful completion of its Flag, Identify, Network, and Deliver™ “FIND Lp(a)” machine learning model. This groundbreaking tool is now being implemented in healthcare systems across the United States. The program uses machine learning to identify individuals who are likely to have elevated Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a genetic condition affecting about 20% of the global population. Elevated Lp(a) is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, causing inflammation, clotting, and clogging in the vascular system, which can lead to early cardiovascular issues and even death.
In collaboration with several large U.S. health systems, and supported by Novartis, the Family Heart Foundation is using the FIND Lp(a) model to help detect patients whose cardiovascular disease may be driven by elevated Lp(a). Despite its prevalence, awareness of Lp(a) in cardiovascular health remains low, even among healthcare professionals. The FIND Lp(a) model seeks to address this gap by providing targeted support for at-risk individuals and their healthcare providers.
The initiative involves collaboration with all stakeholders in the healthcare process, offering direct support to individuals flagged by the model. Its goal is to develop best practices and encourage widespread screening for elevated Lp(a), which affects 1 in 5 people. This effort is particularly crucial for populations such as African Americans and Southeast Asians, who tend to have higher Lp(a) levels. By increasing screening and promoting early detection, FIND Lp(a) aims to improve the management of cardiovascular disease.
The model has already been tested using the Family Heart Database™, which includes medical claims and lab data, and has demonstrated 60% precision in identifying individuals at risk. This tool offers clinicians decision-making support, allowing them to focus on high-risk patients and make better use of limited resources. Additionally, the program connects patients to educational resources and personalized support through the Family Heart Foundation’s Care Navigation Center, empowering them to take control of their cardiovascular health.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in identifying and managing heart disease related to elevated Lp(a), offering patients the opportunity for early intervention and optimal care.
