Nightingale Health (NASDAQ Helsinki: HEALTH, OTCQX: NGHLF) has introduced a novel risk detection tool aimed at identifying individuals likely to have dangerously high levels of lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), a known indicator of heightened cardiovascular risk. The technology enables targeted intervention by pinpointing those at risk without the expense and inefficiency of testing entire populations, potentially making a significant dent in the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
This new tool screens a person’s risk based on an analysis from a single blood sample. If the screening indicates high risk for elevated Lp(a), the company then offers a follow-up blood test to directly measure Lp(a) levels for diagnostic confirmation. This approach contrasts with conventional methods that measure Lp(a) directly for everyone, which can be costly and impractical given that only 10-20% of the population typically have high Lp(a) levels.
Lp(a) is a genetically determined blood lipid marker that remains stable throughout life, making it unique compared to other cholesterol measures that fluctuate with lifestyle changes. High Lp(a) levels are linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Yet, despite clinical guidelines recommending that everyone be tested for Lp(a) at least once, routine population-wide screenings are rare due to cost and logistical challenges.
Nightingale Health’s patent-pending solution cuts those barriers by narrowing down the individuals who should undergo the more precise Lp(a) measurement. This focused testing strategy could reduce costs by up to 80% while ensuring high-risk patients are correctly identified. This is especially relevant as the medical community places greater emphasis on preventing cardiovascular disease before it manifests.
According to Teemu Suna, the founder and CEO of Nightingale Health, “Our new tool enhances the ability to provide automated, affordable, and comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments. By detecting the risk of high Lp(a) levels alongside other chronic conditions like heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and fatty liver disease, all from one blood sample, we offer healthcare systems a more efficient way to screen and intervene.”
Currently, elevated Lp(a) is difficult to address directly because no approved treatments specifically lower its levels at scale. However, several therapies targeting Lp(a) are in advanced clinical trials, with results expected soon. Meanwhile, knowing a patient’s Lp(a) status allows clinicians to more aggressively manage other modifiable risk factors such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits. It also facilitates family screening, given Lp(a)’s hereditary nature, enabling early intervention for relatives who might also be at risk.
The arrival of this new tool comes as evidence grows in favor of routine Lp(a) testing. Research leaders in cardiovascular medicine advocate measuring Lp(a) alongside traditional cholesterol panels, as it is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular risk and can improve patient outcomes through earlier detection and risk management.
In practice, a single blood test through Nightingale Health’s platform now detects the risk for multiple chronic diseases, and the addition of Lp(a) risk detection broadens its scope without increasing patient burden. This innovation fits into a larger movement toward preventative healthcare by empowering clinicians and patients with actionable data before disease develops or worsens.
By narrowing testing to the segment of the population that truly needs it, this tool could help healthcare providers achieve more with limited resources, ultimately reducing fatal cardiovascular events and improving longevity. Nightingale Health’s approach stands as a practical example of how technology can make complex health screenings accessible and affordable, all while focusing on effective prevention rather than reaction.
This new method for assessing Lp(a) risk represents a promising advance for the management of cardiovascular health and aligns with global calls to expand and standardize Lp(a) testing as part of routine health evaluations. Nightingale Health continues to demonstrate how technology-driven healthcare solutions can tackle persistent challenges in disease prevention and chronic illness management, making better health outcomes a reality for more people.
