PLAC (LP-PLA2 Activity)

Lp-PLA2 activity is to be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient risk assessment as an aid in predicting risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with no prior history of cardiovascular events.

Several lines of evidence suggest that oxidation of LDL plays a critical step in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Lp-PLA2 participates in the breakdown of oxidized LDL in the vascular wall by hydrolyzing the oxidized phospholipid, producing lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized free fatty acids, both of which are potent pro-inflammatory products that contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

What can I do to help lower my Lp-PLA2 Activity levels?

There are a number of things you can do to lower your overall risk of heart disease, as well as lowering your Lp-PLA2 Activity levels.

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet by eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods and reducing the amount of fatty foods you eat.

2. Exercise more and on a consistent basis.

3. If you smoke, quit. It is not easy but there are programs and strategies (including over-the-counter and prescription medications) that can improve your chance of success. Talk with your medical provider to find what works best for you.

4. See your dentist as periodontal disease is a contributor to heart disease.

5. There are prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as supplements, your medical provider can give you that reduce Lp-PLA2 Activity levels. Your medical provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, is an inflammatory enzyme that circulates bound mainly to low-density lipoproteins and has been found to be localized and enriched in atherosclerotic plaques. In multiple clinical trials, Lp-PLA2 activity has been shown to be an independent predictor of coronary heart disease and stroke in the general population. Measurement of Lp-PLA2 may be used along with traditional cardiovascular risk factor measures for identifying individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease events. Clinical management may include beginning or intensifying risk reduction strategies.