sentences:  Some studies have shown that regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol leads to a significant decline in plasma levels of Lp(a), while other studies have not.Numerous studies confirming a strong correlation between elevated Lp(a) and heart disease have led to the consensus that Lp(a) is an important independent predictor of cardiovascular disease.Animal studies have shown that Lp(a) may directly contribute to atherosclerotic damage by increasing plaque size, inflammation, instability, and smooth muscle cell growth.