Lp-PLA2 was previously described as a novel risk factor for cardiac events in a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine (October 19, 2000). In this study, individuals with elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 had as much as a two-fold elevated risk for coronary heart disease and Lp-PLA2 was independently predictive of those at risk, when compared to both traditional risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol, and markers of systemic inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
"This test is a new method to help evaluate risk of cardiovascular disease and events," said Joseph McConnell, Ph.D., co-director of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. "Nearly half of all patients who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels, and there is a clear need to measure other risk factors."
The PLAC™ test, like other tests offered by Mayo to measure the emerging risk markers homocysteine, lipoprotein(a) and CRP, may be used as an adjunct to adjust the estimate of risk determined with the major risk factors.
As with other emerging risk markers, the PLAC™ test may be used most appropriately in those judged to be at intermediate risk by Framingham scoring, to help guide the intensity of risk reduction therapy. More research is required to firmly establish the clinical utility of the PLAC™ test. Several clinical research studies are currently underway at Mayo Clinic and other institutions to address this issue. Concurrently, a specific inhibitor of Lp-PLA2 recently entered phase II clinical development for atherosclerosis.
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For more information about (Lp-PLA2) test PLAC™ (Unit Code: 81043) call Mayo Medical Laboratories at 800-533-1710 or 507-266-5700, or visit http://www.mayoreferenceservices.org