Lp-PLA₂

Lp-PLA₂ appears to play a role in inflammation of blood vessels and is thought to help promote atherosclerosis. Some recent studies have shown that Lp-PLA2 is an independent risk factor for two cardiovascular diseases (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and ischemic stroke. In these studies, increased concentrations of Lp-PLA₂ are seen in many people who are diagnosed with CHD and ischemic stroke, regardless of other risk factors. These findings make this relatively new test potentially useful as one of a growing number of cardiac risk markers that are used to help determine a person's risk of developing CVD.

CVD causes more deaths in the U.S. each year than any other cause, according to the American Heart Association. CHD and ischemic stroke are both associated with the buildup of unstable fatty plaque deposits in the arteries that can lead to blockages in blood vessels and to heart attacks or brain damage. There are a variety of risk factors that have been identified as being associated with both conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol levels, increased LDL, and decreased HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the "good cholesterol").

Many people who have one or more risk factors will eventually develop CVD, but a significant number of additional people who have few or no identified risk factors will also develop CVD. This has lead researchers to look for other risk factors that might be either causing CVD or that could be used to determine lifestyle changes and/or treatments that could reduce a person's risk of CVD.

In addition to the traditional risk factors listed above, a low level of chronic, systemic inflammation and inflammation of blood vessels (vascular) is thought to contribute to overall risk for developing CVD. The hs-CRP test is associated with systemic inflammation; high levels are thought to increase CVD risk. The Lp-PLA₂ test is associated with vascular inflammation, and high levels are thought to increase the chance of heart attack or stroke.