The clinical expression of CVD is complex and not due to "one" risk factor. Its a combination of things that can and cannot be measured, layered on environmental factors (diet, exercise, etc). So, if only Lp(a) is present and not other factors, there is less risk of getting CVD
Lp(a) is not a "disease", its a risk factor, so it has to be thought of in probabilistic terms, i.e. if one has elevated levels how much does it increase risk of getting CVD. The majority of people with any one risk factor don't get CVD. Death rates in US from CVD is ~30-40%
Think of it like lung cancer and smoking, if you smoke 1 cigarette vs 3 packs (60) per day, you are more likely to get lung cancer if you smoke 60, but many people that smoke 60 cigs a day dont get lung cancer. But at population level, most lung cancer is seen in (heavy) smokers
